FIRST ANNIVERSARY FOR HEALTHLINE

Released on October 18, 2004

In the last year, over 65,000 people have called HealthLine, the toll-free, province-wide, 24-hour telephone health advice and information line.

The 24 registered nurses on staff 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 is another example of how the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care is creating accessible, quality health care for Saskatchewan's residents. "We are very pleased with the success of HealthLine over the past year," Health Minister John Nilson said. "It offers the people of Saskatchewan more options in their personal health care, as well as providing another tool in the expansion of Saskatchewan's Primary Health Care."

HealthLine is a convenient option to support people in determining their best course of care. It is not limited by Saskatchewan's large geographic mass or relatively small population. It can be accessed by people when and where they need it, whether they are at work, at home, on the road, anywhere.

Over the past year:

· the top three reasons people called were:

o fever in children aged 3 months to 3 years

o abdominal pain

o nausea/vomiting (children)

· people ages 26 to 40 used HealthLine the most.

· more women than men used the service.

· Calls have been received from every health region in the province.

Barb Bender, a Registered Nurse currently working at HealthLine, is enthusiastic about the many benefits to those who call. "HealthLine really encourages people to take charge of their own health issues and to seek appropriate advice when needed," Bender said.

The success of HealthLine is a direct result of the continued co-operative efforts between the government, the health sector, and the business community.

"The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is pleased to be the provider of this province-wide advice line," the Region's Vice President of Primary Health Care John Labatt said.

"Saskatchewan people have come to rely on the advice they receive from HealthLine nurses. Honouring that trust, we are looking forward to building on the experience gained over the past year to improve what is already a very successful service," Labatt saids.

Residents of the province have toll-free, around-the-clock access to HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002. HealthLine offers multi-lingual interpretation 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.

The first year report of HealthLIne is available at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Paul Corns Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-7296