FUNDING FOR HEALTH RESEARCH

Released on December 12, 2001

Two university health research projects are receiving a financial boost of

approximately $200,000 from the provincial government.



The projects are being funded through Saskatchewan's Innovation and Science

Fund, which nurtures research excellence at the province's universities and

research institutions through matching contributions.



The province will provide $100,000 for each project to match funding from

the Canada Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF). The projects also

have support, totalling approximately $500,000 in the form of in-kind

contributions, from the Regina Health District, Saskatoon District Health,

the University of Saskatchewan, and the Health Services Utilization and

Research Commission (HSURC).



"This funding reflects our government's strong support for health

research," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We recognize the importance

of research to the quality of health care in our province. That is why our

recently announced Action Plan for Health Care makes a renewed commitment

in this area, and includes a 40 per cent increase in health research

funding for the 2002/03 budget year."



The two research projects look at improved co-ordination of health care

services for patients. The first is being led by Dr. Heather

Hadjistavropoulos of the University of Regina and examines the development

and evaluation of guidelines for case co-ordination of elderly clients

receiving multiple health services within the community. Dr.

Hadjistavropoulos shares principal investigator duties with Dr. Jay Biem of

the University of Saskatchewan on the second study, which will examine how

care for patients suffering from congestive heart failure and atrial

fibrillation is co-ordinated among care providers within hospital, home and

community settings.



"Research on issues that directly affect Saskatchewan people is part of the

University of Regina's mandate," U of R President David Barnard said. "The

work being done by Dr. Hadjistavropoulos and Dr. Biem is a valuable

contribution to the health of our provincial community."



"This is the first time that university researchers have teamed up with

health districts, HSURC and Saskatchewan Health on an applied health

research project, and we welcome this university-community collaboration

which will enhance the quality of care for patients," U of S President

Peter MacKinnon said.



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For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader Sandy Cameron Kathryn Warden

Health University of Regina University of Saskatchewan

Regina Regina Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 787-4083 Phone: (306) 585-5439 Phone: (306) 966-2506