Released on March 7, 2008
Sun Country Regional Health Authority is receiving nearly $1 million in additional funding from the provincial government for safety lifting and 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."
Sun Country Health Region will receive a grant of $986,000 to purchase safety lifting equipment and update surgical equipment. Items to be purchased include patient lifts, electric beds, and autoclaves for sterilizing surgical instruments.
"We are extremely pleased to be able to purchase this large amount of additional equipment to help improve the working environment of our staff and to assist with patient/resident care," Sun Country Health Region CEO Cal Tant said. "With the additional patient lifts and electric beds, we hope to reduce injuries to our staff. We have a large number of staff who are away from work for a lengthy period after an injury."
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
Cal Tant
Sun Country Regional Health Authority
Weyburn
Phone: 306-842-8718