Released on March 10, 2000
The provincial government has taken another step toward stabilizing health carein the Yorkton area.
The province is providing an additional $4 million in funding to the East
Central Health District. The money is part of the $46.5 million in special
warrant spending for the Department of Health recently approved by Cabinet.
"This funding will allow the district to meet its financial commitments and
provide stable health services to the people of Yorkton and area," Health
Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Addressing this immediate problem will allow us
all to focus our attention on a long-term plan that will put the district back
on solid financial ground."
Two weeks ago, Atkinson appointed a public adminstrator, Dr. Lorne Klippert, to
manage the affairs of the district. The action was prompted by several recent
departures from the district's management team, the resignation of the board
chair and the district's growing debt load.
The current debt load now equals 27 per cent of the district's annual operating
budget. A recently completed mid-year audit indicates that this year's
projected deficit has grown from initial estimates.
"I received a report from Dr. Klippert indicating that without additional
support from the district's lender or government, the district would run out of
money by the middle of March and be unable to meet payroll and other
obligations," Atkinson said. "I could not allow health care to be put at risk
in this manner."
Atkinson said Saskatchewan Health will work closely with the district over the
next few months to develop a long-term deficit reduction plan that places
health services on a sound and sustainable footing.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4088