MELVILLE HEALTH FACILITY SOD TURNING

Released on October 18, 2000

People in Melville are getting a new community health centre.



The 30-bed facility will replace the current hospital and consolidate all the

community's health services. The community's local share is $4.8 million

toward the $12.8 million cost. The government will contribute the remaining $8

million.



"The new health centre will improve care for patients in the local

communities," Health Minister Pat Atkinson said at a sod-turning event today.

"The project brings community and hospital services under one roof and allows

for better co-ordination of health care."



The health centre will offer a wealth of services including: acute and

emergency care, long-term care, lab and x-ray services, addiction services, and

a range of community health services such as public health and home care.



Planning the facility and the services it will offer is a collaborative effort

that includes the North Valley Health District Board, St. Peter's Hospital

Board and St. Paul Lutheran Home Board.



"By working with our affiliated partners, we've found a way to bring the best

possible services to the people in the area," North Valley District Health

Board Chair Tom Davies said. "We're very pleased to see this project move into

the construction phase."



Construction of the new addition will begin in the spring of 2001.



- 30 -



For more information, contact:



Cherilyn Cooke

Communications Branch

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083