Health Minister Don McMorris announced $133.1 million in health infrastructure and access improvements on February 22, including the Province's commitment to pay 80 percent of the cost of regional health projects. This means communities will only be responsible for raising 20 percent, down from 35 percent, for projects such as long-term care facilities.
"Communities asked for a new funding formula, and we are delivering it," McMorris said. "An 80-20 split lowers financial barriers to the revitalization of health facilities in towns and cities across Saskatchewan."
President of the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation Kim Thorson said that this new funding formula will help the foundation reach its goal to build a new hospital in Weyburn much sooner.
The infrastructure funding announcement included $49.3 million for design and construction costs of 13 long-term care facility redevelopment projects; $24 million for new capital equipment and upgrades; $18.7 million for infrastructure maintenance and improvements; $8 million for continued development of an electronic health record; and $5 million for redevelopment planning of Moose Jaw Union Hospital.
Physician-related funding included $10.5 million to support physician recruitment and retention; and$10 million to support an increased number of physician services.
The $49.3 million for the long-term care construction projects is in addition to planning dollars already allocated as the provincial share of project costs to replace aging facilities. One project is already well underway, and 12 others are expected to go to tender in 2011-12.
The funding allocation will also allow the province's health facilities to proceed with needed repairs and the installation of equipment and safety systems.
