Prairie North Health Region, in a press release, is claiming success in achieving goals of better health, better care, better teams and better value.
The region has released its annual report, which the release says takes a detailed look at successes and reviews the region's strategies, targets, actions, challenges and results.
The report was released Tuesday following tabling of the document with the Saskatchewan Legislature.
"In keeping with our commitment to accountability and transparency, we are pleased to provide this report to the residents of Prairie North and the general public," said Bonnie O'Grady, PNRHA chairperson.
"We are proud of the strides made over the past year toward improving patient care and safety throughout Prairie North."
O'Grady added, "Our dedicated team of health professionals in all departments, facilities, communities, and capacities deserves the credit for this success, and we look forward to maintaining that momentum through the year ahead."
In the area of primary health care (better health) the region has opened a new primary health centre in Meadow Lake and laid foundational work toward developing a primary health care innovation site in Lloydminster.
Better care has been achieved by Prairie North through the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative and a focus on patient and staff safety, the release states. PNHR performed more than 6,000 surgeries in 2012-13 and reducing surgical wait times to no more than six months. Improved medication management in the region's hospitals, long-term care homes and home care has also resulted in better care and safety for patients, according to the release.
Implementation of the Saskatchewan Healthcare Management System, including Lean management approaches and the new Hoshin Kanri strategic planning approach, is leading to better teams and better value, the region reports. SHMS quality improvement events involve leaders, physicians and frontline staff making quality and safety improvements to their work to benefit patients.
PHNR also states, physicians are becoming increasingly involved in quality improvement work within the region, and frontline managers are benefiting from the focus on greater education and management support.
Prairie North's 2012-13 annual report is available online at www.pnrha.ca.
