HEALTH COMPLEX OPENS

Released on October 22, 2001

Residents of Spiritwood and area today celebrated the official opening of a

brand new integrated health care facility.



Health Minister John Nilson, Parkland Health District and representatives

from local towns, villages and rural municipalities cut the ribbon on the

Spiritwood and District Health Complex.



The new facility replaces the existing hospital and consolidates community

services under one roof. These include:



Acute 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.



"This is an excellent example of how we can work together to provide

accessible, quality health services to the people of Saskatchewan," Nilson

said. "The people of this region can be proud of this achievement which

speaks to the co-operative spirit of rural communities in Saskatchewan."



"I am pleased with the efforts of the planning committee and all the work

done at the local level," Parkland Health District CEO Lynnda Berg said.

"The completion of the Spiritwood and District Health Complex is an

accomplishment that will service residents of the area well into the

future. I also want to recognize the time and financial support

Saskatchewan Health has given us in helping us to achieve our vision."



The total project cost of $3.68 million includes a provincial contribution

of $2.38 million and a local share of $1.3 million.



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For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader

Communications Branch

Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083