Sunrise Health and Wellness Centre Opens in Yorkton

Released on November 27, 2014

An integrated primary health care centre now provides a variety of services to the residents of Yorkton and the surrounding communities.

Sunrise Health and Wellness Centre offers an innovative, collaborative approach to patient care, and is being developed as a hub for primary health services in Sunrise Health Region.  It is focusing on patients with chronic conditions, women’s wellness services and general health needs.

Health Minister Dustin Duncan and Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit today joined health region and client representatives, staff and local officials for a grand opening ceremony at the centre’s new location on Hamilton Road.

“This centre is a great accomplishment for our community,” Ottenbreit said.  “Different stakeholders have effectively come together to reach shared goals - improved patient experiences and quality of care.”

“The Sunrise Health and Wellness Centre is an excellent example of innovation and a patient-centred approach to health care,” Duncan said.  “Patients will receive comprehensive, timely services under one roof at the centre.  Our government will continue to support initiatives that improve access to services and meet the health care needs of our province’s growing population.”

The centre provides physician and nurse practitioner services, diabetes education, exercise therapy, pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation, and a range of women’s wellness services.  Patients are also linked to other community supports and services based on their individual needs.

“In collaboration we are building a new health care landscape in Saskatchewan,” Sunrise Health Region President and CEO Suann Laurent said.  “It is a very exciting time when, with the help of our client advisors, we introduce innovations such as the Sunrise Health and Wellness Centre to improve access and the flow of services.”

The Sunrise Health and Wellness Centre was designed by a team of 36 people including client representatives, health care providers and senior management.  The centre uses an “on-stage/off-stage” concept that allows efficient flow of large numbers of people and supplies, while maintaining a calm environment and easy access for clients. 

“It is wonderful to come for care in this centre and to know I had input into the plans that make it work well for clients,” local resident and client advisor on the project Dave Matichuk said.  “As a client, it is especially reassuring to know that my health care providers are well connected and that I am able to benefit from their combined expertise.”

“The team members are able to connect in the central workstation area between appointments,” Sunrise Health Region Vice President of Medical Services and Senior Medical Officer Dr. Phillip Fourie said.  “Client care is improved because of the team concept with informal contact and all team members contributing to the notes on a client’s electronic medical record.  It is a model that we want to help other centres and physicians’ clinics adopt, if they wish.”

The team members are connected to a shared electronic medical record system, which facilitates their interaction and ensures continuity of care for patients.  Also, team members’ face-to-face contact is enhanced by the layout of the facility.  

The provincial government has invested $13.2 million since 2012 to support strengthened primary health care in the province.  This includes $3.42 million in 2014-15.  The funding helps health regions stabilize services and supports innovative models of primary health care, including Collaborative Emergency Centres.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health 
Regina 
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca

Sharon Tropin 
Sunrise Health Region
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-0144
Email: sharon.tropin@shr.sk.ca