Released on September 7, 2011
Residents of Saskatoon's inner-city neighbourhoods will soon benefit from a newly-purchased Mobile Health Bus that brings basic health services closer to their homes.
The Saskatchewan Government announced a $50,000 contribution toward the $380,000 cost of a new vehicle which will replace the current bus this fall.
"We are proud to provide funding toward a replacement for the original Mobile Health Bus, so that it's as convenient as possible for people to receive basic health services," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said on behalf of Health Minister Don McMorris.
The Saskatoon Health Region has operated a Mobile Health Bus in partnership with MD Ambulance eight hours per day, seven days a week since 2008. The bus is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and a Paramedic and provides health services such as vaccinations, wound care, diabetes treatment and health education.
"The Health Bus has been a tremendous success in helping us reach the people who really needed our services but weren't getting to us," Saskatoon Health Region VP Community Services Shan Landry said. "Saskatoon Health Region is also providing $50,000 toward the purchase and we are looking forward to getting the new Health Bus on the road."
The Mobile Health Bus, which has earned national recognition, averages 12 to 14 visits per day and serves more than 5,000 clients in and around the Saskatoon core neighbourhoods of Westmount, Meadow Green, Pleasant Hill, Riversdale and King George.
A fundraising gala in support of the Mobile Health Bus is being held today in Saskatoon. It will be attended by community partners, contributors and supporters, including representatives from the Saskatoon Health Region, the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation, MD Ambulance, Synergy 8 Community Builders and Potash Corp. The gala will be followed by a golf tournament featuring professional golfer Sir Nick Faldo.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594
Linda Walker
Saskatoon Health Region
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3476