Released on April 9, 2009
Plans for replacing the nearly 100-year-old Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford received further support from the government to move the project forward.
The Ministry of Health is providing Prairie North Health Region with $450,000 for further capital planning to clarify the scope of work needed to replace the provincial psychiatric rehabilitation facility, and the estimated costs. Agreement on the scope of the project is an important step in advancing the project to the approval stage.
"We recognize that replacement of Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) will greatly improve the environment for those who need mental health services in a provincial facility," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "The Ministry of Health will continue to work with Prairie North Health Region to make sure we all agree on the scope of the project."
"Our government is committed to ensuring Saskatchewan people with mental health issues receive the care and support they need," Cutknife-Turtleford MLA Michael Chisholm said. "The families of those individuals should also have the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and secure. By investing in planning, our government is taking concrete steps toward addressing an issue that has gone unaddressed for far too long."
"Our health region is pleased that the Saskatchewan Hospital project remains a priority for the ministry, as it is for Prairie North," Prairie North Health Region CEO David Fan said. "It is vital that we continue to work together to move the project forward to improve the living conditions for this most vulnerable sector of our population."
Construction on the Saskatchewan Hospital began in 1911. A study commissioned in 2004 recommended that a new facility be constructed to replace the aging structure.
Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford is Saskatchewan's only provincial psychiatric rehabilitation hospital. SHNB, as it is known, is also home to the province's Forensic Services program. Prairie North Health Region manages the facility on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Linda Lewis
Prairie North Health Region
North Battleford
Phone: 306-446-6625