Released on March 7, 2008
Kelsey Trail Health Region is receiving more than $750,000 in funding from the provincial government for safety equipment and training and improvements to hospital surgical equipment.
"There is a pressing need for new equipment in health facilities across Saskatchewan," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This investment will help address workplace safety issues and ensure that our hospitals have the appropriate equipment to meet patients' needs."
The health region will spend about $650,000 to purchase safety equipment and train staff in its use. The funding will allow the region to move toward almost 100 per cent electric beds in all acute care facilities, 60 per cent electric beds in long term care facilities, a bariatric bed in all communities providing acute care service, to maximize track lifting in Pineview Lodge in Nipawin.
The remaining $117,500 will be used to upgrade surgical equipment in hospital operating rooms and recovery rooms.
"Kelsey Trail Health Region is committed to reducing workplace injuries," Kelsey Trail Health Region CEO Glen Kozak said. "By working with the provincial government to improve the safety of the equipment that staff is working with and their opportunities for safety training, we are making an investment in our employees that will enhance safety and quality of care for all patients, residents and clients."
The investment is expected to support efforts to recruit and retain health professionals by enabling health regions to provide safer, more supportive workplaces.
The funding is part of $18 million being distributed to all health regions. Approximately $13 million will be used for safety equipment and training to reduce workplace injuries, and nearly $5 million to upgrade equipment in hospital operating rooms and recovery rooms.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4082
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca
Peggy Ratcliffe
Kelsey Trail Health Region
Tisdale
Phone: 306-873-6613