Patient safety and comfort are the driving force behind $8 million in Sunrise Health Region health facility improvements made over the past couple of years and continuing in 2011. Upgraded fire alarms, sprinkler systems and wanderguard systems for protecting dementia patients are among the projects made possible thanks to the Government of Saskatchewan's $1.5 billion 'Ready for Growth' initiative.
Projects were chosen based on the greatest need. Health region staff were also able to take advantage of the large scope of the improvements to contract with suppliers to do similar upgrades for numerous buildings.
"Because the projects were concurrent, we were able to effectively schedule trades people to complete the needed upgrades and repairs throughout the region," said Lorelei Stusek, Vice President of Corporate Services for the Sunrise Health Region. "This would not have been possible without the provincial commitment to maintain our health infrastructure."
"The government is committed to infrastructure renewal in communities throughout Sunrise Health Region, making the health system safer and more secure for patients and health providers," Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said on behalf of Minister of Health Don McMorris. "These investments are just one more way this government is putting patients first."
Projects that have been completed or will be completed in 2011 include:
Fire alarm system upgrades to facilities in Ituna, Invermay and Kamsack;
Nurse call systems for facilities in Esterhazy, Norquay, Canora and Langenburg;
Patient wanderguard systems for dementia patients and vulnerable residents in several long-term care facilities;
Sprinkler system upgrades at Preeceville and District Health Centre;
Flooring upgrades to St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville, Yorkton Regional Health Centre, and Yorkton and District Nursing Home; and
Roof replacement for facilities in Foam Lake, Yorkton, Langenburg, Invermay, Kamsack, and Canora.
Upgrades to facilities in the Sunrise Health Region will continue throughout 2011.
