The latest Prairie North Health Region monthly meeting, in North Battleford, was focused on efficiency, better value and the budget.
The region had signed a letter of intent with SaskPower to enter into an Energy Performance Contract. The agreement proposes a large range of improvements to chosen facilities to increase efficiency, including upgrading window seats and replacing HVAC systems. Though the renovations should cost a total of $3.4 million , the yearly savings of around $300,000 mean the project will pay for itself over around eleven and a half years.
PNHR's Vice-president of Development and Operations Lionel Chabot recommended proceeding with the EPC program, and the board will vote on whether to approve the recommendation at its February meeting.
The PNHR also set out its organizational priorities and action plans for the next 12-18 months. Specifically, PNHR identified its priorities as: improving access to primary health care, using lean processes to redesign Saskatchewan Hospital, improving relationships with First Nations communities, better involving and engaging both physicians and employees and providing better tools to front line managers.
The meeting also saw Vice-President of Finance and Information Technologies Jerry Keler report a surplus of around $4.5 million up to Dec. 31. The surplus is largely due to vacant positions within the region, which should preferably be filled.
The next public meeting is Feb. 29, and will take place at Lloydminster Hospital.
