NEW HOSPITAL ON THE WAY IN SWIFT CURRENT

Released on April 2, 2003

The government is moving ahead with its plan for a new regional hospital in Swift Current, as part of the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care commitment for a renewed health care system, promoting greater access to quality health care in the province.

Health Minister John Nilson has announced $500,000 to be committed to planning and evaluation for the new regional hospital in Swift Current, which will provide a broad range of patient care, including internal medicine and other specialty care, general surgery and intensive care.

"The new hospital is a perfect fit with the recommendation in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, announced by our government in December, 2001, to build a strong network of hospitals across the province, improving access to care for all Saskatchewan residents," Nilson said. "The new Swift Current regional hospital will provide patients with the priority care they need, promoting quality and accessibility to vital health care services in this region."

Saskatchewan Health is working closely with the Cypress Regional Health Authority to develop a functional program for the new hospital and finalize the scope, cost and design of the project.

Cypress Regional Health Authority Board Chair Dennis Lafreniere said this financial commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan is a great step forward for people in the region.

"The new Swift Current regional hospital will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality services to residents of our region," Lafreniere said. "Our newly created regional health authority continued the valuable work that began several years ago when the three health districts of Swift Current, Rolling Hills and Southwest worked on this project with Saskatchewan Health. We have had much support from the communities in this region throughout this process. We are pleased that a new Swift Current regional hospital is a provincial priority designated under the Action Plan, and that construction can start as quickly as possible."

The total provincial investment of 65 per cent of the approved project cost will be combined with local funding from the Cypress Regional Health Authority, Swift Current City Council, neighbouring rural municipal councils and the Dr. Noble Irwin Foundation to build the new hospital.

Construction is expected to begin in the 2004-05 fiscal year.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083