Released on March 7, 2008
Athabasca Health Authority is receiving approximately $117,000 in funding from the provincial government to make its facilities safer for patients and staff.
"There is a pressing need for new equipment in health facilities across Saskatchewan," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This investment will help address workplace safety issues and ensure that our hospitals have the appropriate equipment to meet patients' needs."
The regional health authority will use the funding to buy safety equipment and train staff in its use. Items to be purchased include patient lifting equipment and new furnishings for hospital and long term care rooms.
"We are very pleased to receive this funding," Athabasca Health Authority CEO Vince Robillard said. "The equipment will be of great benefit to our clients, and will improve our ability to provide a safer work environment for our health service providers."
The investment is expected to support efforts to recruit and retain health professionals by enabling the health region to provide safer, more supportive workplaces.
The funding is part of $18 million being distributed to all health regions. Approximately $13 million will be used for safety equipment and training to reduce workplace injuries, and nearly $5 million to upgrade equipment in hospital operating rooms and recovery rooms.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca
Vince Robillard
Athabasca Health Authority
Black Lake
Phone: 306-439-2200