SOUTHEAST HEALTH DISTRICT BUYS NEW EQUIPMENT

Released on April 6, 2001

South East Health District has identified how it plans to spend its share

of the $16.5 million Medical Equipment Fund, announced in January, for

immediate medical equipment needs. The district will receive $189,400 to

purchase diagnostic imaging equipment, patient beds, and a variety of

laboratory, surgical, and medical equipment.



All 32 health districts and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency have now

received a share of the Medical Equipment Fund, established by the federal

government in September 2000, to address equipment needs in the provinces.

The new money to districts is half of Saskatchewan's allotment from the

fund.



"There is a growing need right across our country to replace aging medical

equipment," Health Minister John Nilson said. "This new money will benefit

Saskatchewan patients and our health providers by helping to ensure the

delivery of top quality health care.



"The new equipment will also help to improve workplace safety for health

providers and improve our ability to attract and keep health professionals."



The cancer agency will receive a total of $1.85 million to help fund

equipment needs in both Saskatoon and Regina. This will include the

purchase of state-of-the-art equipment such as a treatment simulator for

the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and additional treatment planning stations in

both Saskatoon and Regina. The agency will also use the funds to update

and improve existing equipment at both centres. The cancer agency provides

services to all Saskatchewan residents.



The funding to districts recognizes the higher equipment costs of providing

surgical services in the larger and mid-sized centres and addresses the

fact all districts have long-term care equipment needs.



"This new money will begin to address some of the pressures our district is

facing in replacing older equipment like diagnostic imaging equipment,"

South East District Health Board Chair Earl Kickley said.



"It will help us to continue providing quality care to the citizens in our

communities."



Both Nilson and Kickley recognized the work of local community fundraising

in supporting the purchase of needed equipment in hospitals and nursing

homes.



The remainder of the Medical Equipment Fund will be allocated following the

release of the Fyke Commission's report.



-30-



For more information, contact:



Rikki Boté

Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083