Released on July 15, 2015
Health Minister Dustin Duncan, Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) and three health regions – Kelsey Trail, Mamawetan Churchill River, and Keewatin Yatthé – signed a partnership agreement on January 12, 2015, as part of a shared commitment to patient first care and health system transformation.“Health care workers are key partners in our efforts to improve access to safe, quality care for Saskatchewan people,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “This new partnership recognizes our shared commitment to putting patients first as we work toward transforming our health care system.”
“SGEU looks forward to partnering with the health regions and provincial government to provide a better care environment for patients, improved working environment for our members and as a forum to address the unique challenges of our rural and northern areas,” SGEU’s Health Provider Bargaining Unit Chair Bonnie Erickson said.
“We are excited about the opportunity to build our relationships with SGEU and look forward to working together in exploring new and innovative ways to improve patient care,” Kelsey Trail Health Region’s Vice President of Health Safety and Culture Lyle Bittman said, on behalf of the health regions. “This partnership will enhance our ability to proactively address questions and challenges with health care delivery in our regions.”
Since the partnership was signed on January 12, the parties have worked together to establish a Terms of Reference and will continue working together on common areas of interest, including:
- promoting a culture of safety;
- increasing employee engagement;
- continuously improving the health system in a manner that supports the principles of Better Health, Better Care, Better Value and Better Teams;
- discussing options to enhance the ability to provide quality health care; and
- stabilizing employee turnover, thereby increasing patients’ continuity of care.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Carol Todd
SGEU Communications
Regina
Phone: 306-775-7877
Email: ctodd@sgeu.org
Dale West
Keewatin Yatthe Health Region
Buffalo Narrows
Phone: 306-235-5829
Email: dale.west@kyrha.sk.ca
Peggy Ratcliffe
Kelsey Trail Health Region
Tisdale
Phone: 306-873-6613
Email: pratc@kthr.sk.ca
Elaine Kaloustian
Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region
La Ronge
Phone: Phone: 306-425-4812
Email: elaine.kaloustian@mcrhealth.ca