Released on August 29, 2012
Residents of Biggar and area are celebrating a major step forward on a health care construction project today with a sod turning ceremony at the new Biggar long term care facility construction site.
Construction of the $22.8 million facility is expected to start late summer 2012 with scheduled completion in early 2014. The new facility will replace the Biggar Diamond Lodge nursing home which was built in 1966.
"Our government is committed to improving health care infrastructure in Saskatchewan," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "We continue to deliver on our promise to put patients first. A modern, long term care facility in Biggar will provide safe, comfortable and family-centred living as well as a fantastic working environment for residents and staff."
The provincial government is contributing $18.3 million toward the project, which represents 80 per cent of total project costs. Local funding will cover the remaining 20 per cent.
"The residents of Biggar and area will soon benefit from construction of a new nursing home," Biggar Mayor Ray Sadler said. "Thanks to the funding partners including the Province of Saskatchewan, the Town of Biggar, the RM of Biggar, the RM of Grandview, the RM of Rosemont and the Village of Landis. A special thank you to the Friends of the Lodge who have dedicated their time and effort to fundraise for the furnishing and equipment at the new long term care facility."
"Biggar and area municipalities have pulled together and worked hard to get to this day," Heartland Regional Health Authority Chair Richard Anderson said. "This much needed facility will enhance Heartland's ability to provide the patient-and-family-centered care our residents are accustomed to. Heartland congratulates our stakeholders who were involved in this project and the Ministry of Health on their collaborative efforts to bring this facility to fruition and we look forward to the grand opening in the near future."
Duncan attended the groundbreaking event along with Rural and Remote Health Minister Randy Weekes, municipality officials and representatives of the Heartland Health Region.
The 54-bed facility will be connected to the Biggar Hospital. It is one of 13 long term care facility renewal projects which were announced in 2009 by the provincial government.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
LeAnne Paproski
Heartland Health Region
Rosetown
Phone: 306-831-6212
Email: leanne.paproski@hrha.sk.ca