CARROT RIVER HEALTH FACILITY SOD TURNING

Released on April 3, 2001

The construction of a community health facility is being marked today at a

sod turning ceremony in Carrot River.



The project that is currently underway replaces the Carrot River hospital

with a health centre addition to the Pasquia Special Care Home. This will

consolidate all the community's health services. The community's local

share is $1.1 million toward the total project cost of $2.9 million. The

government is contributing the remaining $1.8 million.



"Providing accessible, quality health care services is one of the top

priorities of our government," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Once

this project is complete, individuals and families in Carrot River and the

surrounding communities will benefit by having access to inpatient services

and community programs all in one location."



The health centre will offer a wealth of services, including:



twenty-four hour nursing coverage seven days a week;



observation, convalescent, respite and palliative care;



long-term care;



lab and x-ray services;



community education services for diabetes, nutrition and

addictions; and



public health, mental health and home care services.



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

the best possible services to the people in the area," North-East District

Health Board Chair Margaret Anderson said.



Both Nilson and Anderson recognized the volunteer work of local residents,

health care providers, service organizations and others, who have devoted

their time and energy to this project.



Construction of the new health centre is expected to be complete early in

the new year.



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For more information, contact:



Rikki Boté

Communications Branch

Health

Phone: (306) 787-4083