NORTHWEST HEALTH DISTRICT BUYS NEW EQUIPMENT

Released on March 29, 2001

The Northwest 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 nearly $71,000 and will spend this money on a

replacement ambulance for the district's Emergency Medical Services.



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. This new money will benefit Saskatchewan patients and our

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

care," Crown Investments Corporation and Energy and Mines Minister Maynard

Sonntag said, on behalf of Health Minister John Nilson.



"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 helps us improve our emergency medical services so we can

continue providing quality care to the citizens in our communities,"

Northwest District Health Board Chair Dale Green said.



Both Sonntag and Green recognized the work of local community fundraising

in supporting the purchase of needed equipment in health facilities in the

district.



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 Bote

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083