Released on November 26, 2018
A new community health centre in Saskatoon is providing a comprehensive suite of services for seniors and older adults who have complex care needs. Funding of $5.2 million in 2018-19 and $3 million annually beginning in 2019-20 supports the Market Mall Community Health Centre and the Seniors First Team expansion.“The new Community Health Centre at Market Mall provides specialized care services seven days per week, with extended hours in the evening and home visits for those who need it,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “This will help seniors live healthy, independent lives and reduce emergency department visits.”
The Market Mall Community Health Centre is located in the Nutana Suburban Centre, which has the largest senior population (65+) of any neighborhood in Saskatoon and a high concentration of older adults (50+). Its specialized care services focus on patients with multiple chronic conditions, mental health issues, medication-related problems, and other complex care needs. Emergency department visits are avoided by providing a continuum of care between physicians’ offices and the hospital, with a seamless care experience for patients who are best served in a community setting.
“Our physicians and staff are excited to assist older adults with the support they need to avoid going to hospital unless needed, to remain at home when things become more difficult and to return home after a hospital stay, while also supporting their recovery after a fall, an acute illness or an operation,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Operating Officer Suann Laurent said.
The multi-disciplinary team of more than 80 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff includes physicians, nurses, paramedics, a pharmacist, mental health nurses, and recreational, occupational, and physical therapists.
The Seniors First Team has also been expanded to provide at-home care to patients and other Saskatoon-area residents who have mobility limitations and other complex care needs. In total, nearly 20 new FTE positions have been staffed between the Community Health Centre and the Seniors First Team expansion.
The Market Mall Community Health Centre is open seven days per week with extended evening hours and is open on holidays.
The provincial government is directing $19.02 million of federal funding under the Canada-Saskatchewan Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addiction Services Funding Agreement toward improvements through the Connected Care Strategy. These improvements will strengthen team-based community health care for patients who may be best served in a home or community setting, and reduce wait times in emergency departments.
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For more information, contact:
Shelley Svedahl
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: Shelley.Svedahl@health.gov.sk.ca
Amanda Purcell
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3476
Email: amanda.purcell@saskhealthauthority.ca
Cell: 306-321-2562