NEW HEALTH FACILITY IN MELVILLE

Released on June 21, 2002

Melville and area residents are celebrating the official opening of their

new hospital and long-term care home.



Health Minister John Nilson, along with members of the North Valley

District Health Board,

St. Peter's Hospital Board, St. Paul Lutheran Home, and other distinguished

guests today participated in the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony

for the Melville & District Health Centre and St. Peter's Hospital.



The total project cost is $12,932,000. Saskatchewan Health provided

$8,078,000 with a local contribution of $4,854,000.



"Our top priority is improving the quality of health services and access to

care, while ensuring our health system is sustainable into the future,"

Health Minister John Nilson said. "This investment of over $8 million

reflects this government's commitment to providing health care services to

the residents of Melville and area. This new integrated facility will

benefit patients and long-term care residents while providing an improved

workplace for our valued health providers."



The new facility will offer a range of services under one roof, including:



*27 primary care multi-purpose acute care beds;

*two constant observation/multi-purpose beds;

*a labour and delivery room;

*a trauma and operating room;

*a minor procedure and outpatient room; and

program space for ambulatory care, diagnostic treatment, emergency

services, public health, home care and support services.



The project includes renovations to the St. Paul Lutheran Home, a 144 bed

long-term care facility.



The health centre also houses the Saul Cohen Centre for drug and alcohol

addiction treatment.



"I am proud to be part of this very historic and unique agreement among St

Peter's Hospital, St. Paul Lutheran Home, Saskatchewan Health and the North

Valley Health District. This project sets a template and raises the bar

for the standard in health care delivery. People can come to the facility

for the complete range of health care services provided in the district.

We are proud to be champions of this exciting venture," North Valley

District Health Board Chairperson Tom Davies said.



"This is an exceptional project in Saskatchewan where two faith-based

organizations have come together to create a facility to benefit us all,"

St. Peter's Hospital Board Chairperson Allan Marshal said. "I am

especially pleased that the acute care facility was designated as a

district facility in the provincial health action plan, as I believe this

is the appropriate level of service we require."



"St. Paul Lutheran Home residents, staff and board congratulate St. Peter's

Hospital and the North Valley Health District on the opening of the new

facility," St. Paul Lutheran Home Chairperson Fred Daunheimer said. "We

are honoured to have them as our newest and closest neighbours."



"The health district and its affiliates have come together, in the spirit

of co-operation and collaboration to develop and implement a plan and

vision for the provision of quality health services in their community and

surrounding areas," Government Relations Minister and Melville MLA Ron

Osika said. "I congratulate everyone involved on the successful completion

of this important project."



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For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083