HEALTHLINE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

Released on September 10, 2003

HealthLine, Saskatchewan's 24-hour health advice line staffed by registered nurses, was officially launched today.

HealthLine is a key primary health care initiative that provides Saskatchewan residents with quick and easy telephone access to important health information. The service is a key recommendation of The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, announced in December 2001.

"This is a very positive step in the delivery of health care services in Saskatchewan. People in all areas of the province, however rural or remote, will now have better access to health care advice and information", Health Minister John Nilson said.

Nilson also commended the work done by the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, and its partners. "The creation of HealthLine has been a co-operative effort, which builds on excellent relationships between government, the health sector, and the business community," Nilson said.

"Today's announcement represents an important milestone for HealthLine," Chair of Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority Murray Knuttila said. "As the service provider, we expect to expand HealthLine in the future, so that callers can be connected to an even broader range of services."

HealthLine nurses provide health information, and help people decide whether to visit a physician, make a trip to a hospital emergency room, or administer self-treatment right at home.

HealthLine began operating August 1st and has been responding to approximately 100 calls per day. About seventy-five percent of callers have been referred to physicians for care, and most callers are between the ages of 26 and 35.

HealthLine represents a substantial funding commitment – approximately $3 million dollars per year. The federal Primary Health Care Transition Fund will cover those costs over the next three years.

A province-wide awareness campaign has been launched to raise the profile of the service. It includes an information package that will be delivered to all households in Saskatchewan, as well as television, radio and print advertising.

Residents of the province have toll-free, around-the-clock access to HealthLine, at 1-877-800-0002. HealthLine offers multi-lingual translation services and a TTY option for the hearing impaired. Residents with speech or hearing difficulties can call 1-888-425-4444. All calls are confidential.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083 Email: mrathwell@health.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)537-3593