Released on March 7, 2008
Sunrise Health Region is receiving more than $1.3 million in funding from the provincial government for safety equipment and training and improvements to the region's 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 $1 million to purchase safety equipment and train staff in its use. Items to be purchased include lifting equipment, electric beds, wheelchairs and ceiling lift tracks.
The remaining $250,000 will be used to upgrade surgical equipment in the Yorkton and Melville hospitals.
"These funds will purchase equipment to protect the health of staff and physicians as they carry out safe patient care," Sunrise Health Region Health Services senior vice-president Suann Laurent said. "The items will largely be replacement items, but modernized for today's needs. We appreciate this funding and the provincial recognition that maintenance of the health system is as important as new technology."
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
Sharon Tropin
Sunrise Health Region
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-0144