Released on March 6, 2020
Residents of Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan will have access to improved and expanded health services, through a renewed and expanded Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.
The provincial government has announced a commitment of more than $300 million to a new multi-storey addition to Victoria Hospital. The approved project concept includes a new acute care tower, replacement of the existing adult mental health space and renovations to the current facility.
“We are moving forward to address the health care needs of our growing population in Prince Albert and the north,” Premier Scott Moe said. “This significant investment reflects the importance of Victoria Hospital in providing a wide variety of health services, not only to people in Prince Albert, but to patients and clients across northern Saskatchewan.”
The project is anticipated to increase the number of beds in Victoria Hospital to 242 on opening day, up from the current 173 beds, an increase of 40 per cent, with space to expand further as needed. It includes a larger emergency department, a helipad and enhanced medical imaging services, including an MRI.
The province will pay 100 per cent of the capital cost of the project. The local community and Victoria Hospital Foundation will raise funds for furniture and equipment.
“Prince Albert is a major hub of essential health care services for the north central region of Saskatchewan,” Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said. “Victoria Hospital is an aging facility. We welcome new funds that will improve our capacity to respond to the health care needs of our residents.”
“The 12 First Nations of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) look forward to a hospital that will be comfortable, culturally inviting and culturally responsive to the needs of all First Nation membership and communities,” PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said. “This will be a hospital First Nations will have pride of ownership in because of our considerable involvement with the Government of Saskatchewan, helping create a hospital that is truly healing for all.”
“On behalf of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, I want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for their support of improving access to health care for the people of Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Board Chair R.W. (Dick) Carter said. “The Victoria Hospital and its staff members, physicians and volunteers, are an important part of the provincial health system. An expanded and renovated Victoria Hospital will provide improved space to care for our patients as close to home as possible.”
Detailed designs will be developed during the next phase of the project and in consultation with key partners.
“We are committed to working with Indigenous partners to make sure that culturally appropriate services and spaces are part of this project,” Crown Investments Minister and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave said. “Our government is proud to invest in this project, which will allow us to meet the needs of a growing population and support our evolving health care system.”
Premier Moe expressed appreciation to the City of Prince Albert, surrounding Rural Municipalities, local Indigenous leaders and community partners for their ongoing support.
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For more information, contact:
Colleen Book
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca