By Daniel Reech
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $100 Million in the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) for health renewal projects across the province. Over 1,000 projects have been identified for completion at SHA facilities.
Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley “We know how important it is to have well-maintained, efficient health care facilities to serve our residents,” Hindley said. “These investments help to ensure a safe environment while providing quality care in many communities. They will also help us continue to build a strong Saskatchewan by stimulating the province’s economic recovery.”
The investment will provide funding for numerous repairs, renovations, implementation of new safety measures and upgraded equipment.
“The SHA is pleased to be able to proceed with priority maintenance projects and upgrades at our facilities,” SHA Vice President of Infrastructure, Information and Support Andrew Will said. “This will mean safer, more comfortable experiences for our patients and visitors, and better work environments for our staff.”
Projects receiving funding are expected to be completed over this fiscal year and next. This will include work done at roughly 60 long-term health care facilities. Some of the initiatives that will be funded will include projects at Regina General Hospital, Pasqua Hospital, Royal University Hospital and the Echo Lodge Special Care Home in Fort Qu’Appelle.
These projects include: an equipment upgrade at the Regina General Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab, which would seek to optimize efficiency and service, replacing operating booms at Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals which would reduce unplanned service disruptions and repairing the exteriors of both buildings.
Other projects to receive funding are renovations to the kitchen at Echo Lodge Special Care Home in Fort Qu’Appelle in order to ameliorate the handling of food services and to ensure that it is safe and satisfactory. As well as the installation of oxygen concentrators in Saskatchewan’s rural hospitals
The addition of these oxygen concentrators “will ensure a ready supply of self-generated oxygen for patients, and reduce the risks and challenges associated with delivery-dependent supplies in rural and remote areas,” according to the SHA’s press release.
According to the SHA, the funding will also go towards the “replacement of the mall floor at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon to improve and simplify cleaning processes, eliminate noise associated with the transportation of equipment, and create a fresh, more welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff.”
Health facilities at smaller communities can expect a replacement of roofing and windows.
