SASKATOON HEALTH DISTRICT BUYS NEW EQUIPMENT

Released on March 27, 2001

Saskatoon Health District has identified how to spend its share of the

$16.5 million Medical Equipment Fund, announced in January, for immediate

medical equipment needs. The district will receive nearly $5.3 million to

purchase new and replacement equipment in Saskatoon's three hospitals, as

well as for public health and mental health sites.



The equipment being purchased by Saskatoon District Health, includes the

following new and replacement equipment:



$1.7 million for a CT scanner;



$750,000 for a fluoroscopy machine;



$1.8 million for 450 beds; and



$1 million in other medical, surgical and laboratory equipment.



All 32 health districts and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency have 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 is half of Saskatchewan's allotment from the fund.



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

equipment. This new money will benefit Saskatchewan patients and our

health providers by helping to ensure the delivery of top quality health

care," Health Minister John Nilson said.



"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 some of the older medical equipment. Ultimately, it

will help us to continue providing quality care to those coming to our

district for services," Saskatoon District Health Board Chair Robert Bundon

said.



Both Nilson and Bundon recognized the work of local foundations and

community fundraising to support 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.



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For more information, contact:



Rikki Bote

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083