Released on March 7, 2008
Cypress Health Region is receiving more than $900,000 in funding from the provincial government for safety equipment and training and improvements to hospital surgical equipment.
"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 health region will spend about $733,000 to purchase safety equipment and train staff in its use. Items to be purchased include sit-stand lifts, electric beds and a bariatric lift.
The remaining $170,000 will be used to enhance equipment in the operating rooms and recovery rooms at Cypress Regional Hospital. This includes the purchase of an additional anaesthesia machine.
"The Cypress Health Region's main priority is to provide safe, quality health care," Cypress Health Region Health Services executive director Christine Mirka said. "This funding will allow us to improve safety in our facilities and enhance the operating rooms at the Cypress Regional Hospital. We believe that this will be beneficial for the patients, residents, clients and employees of the Cypress Health Region."
The investment is expected to support efforts to recruit and retain health professionals by enabling health regions 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
ulene Restall
Cypress Health Region
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-5407