Released on November 5, 2010
Lloydminster and area residents will soon have access to local mammography services and an improved emergency department, thanks to investments by the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments in Lloydminster Hospital.
Provincial representatives announced funding for the $3 million project at the annual Lloydminster Region Health Foundation Gala Friday evening in Lloydminster.
Due to Lloydminster's unique status as a border city, the Saskatchewan and Alberta governments act jointly to fund health capital improvements.
Minister responsible for the Crown Investments Corporation and MLA for Lloydminster Tim McMillan presented a $1 million cheque for the project on behalf of Saskatchewan's Health Minister Don McMorris.
"This project is a welcome move to meet increased demand for health services in the Lloydminster area," McMillan said. "It's great news that work will begin immediately to improve access to emergency services."
Alberta Treasury Board President and MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster Lloyd Snelgrove also presented a $1 million cheque for the project, with Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky at his side.
"The ER renovation is a significant step toward meeting the most critical patient needs for care in this continually growing community," Snelgrove said.
The Health Foundation is likewise contributing $1 million, board chair Dr. Richard Starke announced.
"The residents and businesses in the Lloydminster region have been very proactive about supporting enhanced emergency and mammography services," Starke said. "We are pleased to partner with our two provinces to ensure the very best care is available."
"The addition of a digital mammography suite gives patients timely access to these diagnostic services in their home community," Prairie North Regional Health Authority board chair Bonnie O'Grady said.
The Lloydminster Hospital is operated by Prairie North Health Region, which provides services and programs to more than 72,000 residents of northwest central Saskatchewan from The Battlefords and Meadow Lake, to the Alberta border. The organization also provides health services for more than 17,000 residents on the Alberta side of Lloydminster and area.
For more informatiion please visit www.pnrha.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Linda Lewis
Prairie North Health Region
North Battleford
Phone: 306-446-6625