Released on July 3, 2013
Plans are moving forward for the new 225 bed long-term care facility in Swift Current. The Province of Saskatchewan and the Cypress Health Region have elected to proceed with a design-build-finance-maintain public-private partnership (P3) procurement model for the project, and the health region will soon post tenders for advisors who will provide expertise and assistance during various elements of the planning and procurement process.
“Tapping into the private sector expertise through a P3 process will generate innovative designs to improve services and increase operating efficiencies,” Minister responsible for SaskBuilds Don McMorris said. “A P3 process also creates incentives for the project to be delivered on time and on budget and will ensure the facility is properly maintained over the term of the agreement.”
“The Palliser Regional Care Centre, Swift Current Care Centre and Prairie Pioneer Lodge have served our residents, families, and staff members for many years,” Cypress Health Region Board Chair Tyler Bragg said. “But we are excited and looking forward to the planning and construction of the facility that will be designed around the specific needs of today’s residents and staff.”
The long-term care facility will be built on 15 acres of a 30 acre parcel of land owned by the Cypress Health Region that is adjacent to the regional hospital. Initial analysis indicates there is value for money with a P3 model for this type of project. If the value for money is not proven during the procurement process, the health region and province will consider other funding options.
Regardless of the procurement model chosen, the Cypress Health Region will maintain full ownership of the facility and will operate all aspects of the health care provided within the facility. Existing health region staff will provide services for residents and maintain the provincial standards and guidelines that have been set for long-term care programs and services within the province.
“Today’s announcement is another milestone that many people in our community and surrounding areas have been looking forward to for some time,” Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer said. “By developing the project on a site adjacent to the hospital, educational, and recreational facilities, not only will there be immense efficiencies in operations but much greater programming opportunities.”
The procurement process for the private partner is expected to start in mid-August and onsite work may begin as early as next spring. The capital construction cost of the facility will be determined through the competitive public private partnership bidding process.
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For more information, contact:
Lee Funke
SaskBuilds
Regina
Phone: 306-798-1213
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Bryce Martin
Cypress Health Region
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-5117