Released on March 7, 2008
Prairie North Health Region is receiving more than $1 million 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 more than $800,000 to purchase safety equipment and train staff in its use. Items to be purchased include electric beds, patient lifts and ceiling tracking.
The remaining $300,000 will be used to upgrade hospital operating and recovery room equipment.
"Improving the safety and efficiency of our workplaces is a priority for the region, and we appreciate the capital funding support from the province," Prairie North Health Region Integrated Health Services vice-president Barb Jiricka said. "All of our hospital and continuing care facilities will benefit from the allocation of new or replacement beds and lifts. The new surgical equipment will enhance our surgical program in The Battlefords, Lloydminster and Meadow Lake."
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
inda Lewis
Prairie North Health Region
North Battleford
Phone: 306-446-6625