LA LOCHE HEALTH FACILITY OPENS

Released on November 15, 2001

People in the area of La Loche today celebrated the official opening of a

new health care facility.



Representatives from the Keewatin Yatthe Health District, local towns,

villages and rural municipalities cut the ribbon on the La Loche Health

Centre. The new centre replaces St. Martin's Hospital and consolidates

services in the town under one roof.



The new La Loche Health Centre will include:



acute care including intensive care;



long-term care;



diagnostic services including X-ray;



palliative and respite care;



emergency/out-patient services;



home care; and



community health services including mental health, youth

counselling, addiction services, occupational therapy,

physiotherapy, public health, speech language pathology and

dietician services.



"A top priority of this government is our commitment to quality, accessible

health care services. The official grand opening marks a new beginning for

health care services in this area," Nilson said. "I commend this community

and the health district for their commitment in bringing this project to a

very successful conclusion."



"We are excited about developing new programs and services for our elders

and our youth," Keewatin Yatthe District CEO Carol Gillis said. "We will

be able to more efficiently meet the needs of people in the La Loche area.

I commend members of the La Loche Health Centre Planning Committee for

their hard work and the provincial government for its significant financial

support."



The total project cost of $11.2 million includes a provincial contribution

of $10 million and a local share of $1.2 million.



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For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader

Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083