HEALTH CENTRE IN MEADOW LAKE OFFICIALLY OPENS

Released on October 16, 2000

Residents of Meadow Lake and area have a brand new health centre. The

Northwest Health District, the Town of Meadow Lake and the Rural Municipality

of Meadow Lake celebrated the official opening of the Northwest Health Centre

today.



The health centre replaces the old Meadow Lake Hospital and consolidates

community services under one roof. These services, include:



thirty-two inpatient beds, 4 detox beds, 4 observation beds;

two labour/delivery/recovery rooms;

two operating rooms;

emergency services;

diagnostic services;

community based services including public health, home care, community

therapy, mental health and addictions;

general support services including pharmacy, housekeeping, central

stores, maintenance, staff/physician areas, education, admitting,

health records and public area; and

district administration service.



"The Northwest Health Centre is a supportive environment, giving individuals

and families access to a wide range of health services," Health Minister Pat

Atkinson said, speaking at today's grand opening. "The facility and the

services offered here were developed with the needs of local residents in

mind."



The total project cost of $14.3 million includes a provincial contribution of

$10 million and a local share of $4.3 million.



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For more information, contact:



Cherilyn Cooke

Communications Branch

Saskatchewan Health

Regina, Phone: (306) 787-4083