Prairie North Health Region has reported two instances of losses of public money, both involving criminal activity the health region fell victim to in the past months.
The losses were reported in the fourth quarter report on losses of public money within Saskatchewan health organizations, tabled with the province’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Two confirmed losses, both from Prairie North, were reported to the Ministry of Health in the fourth quarter of the 2015-16 fiscal year, running from Jan. 1 to March 31. One was classified as an internal loss and the other was external.
The internal loss was reported Feb. 26. According to the report, orthopedic supplies were stolen from Lloydminster Hospital.
The loss was estimated at $2,262.80. As for the action taken, an internal investigation is currently being conducted.
The external loss was reported Jan. 2. Camp Cosmo, located at Jackfish Lake Provincial Park, was vandalized.
Prairie North owns the buildings at the camp and is responsible for repairing the damage.
The damage is estimated to exceed $50,000. According to the report, the incident was reported to the RCMP and five youth are under investigation. The insurance company was also notified of the incident, and are conducting their own investigation.
Camp Cosmo is a camp used annually by Saskatchewan Hospital patients as a way to relax during the summer months.
There is no camp happening for patients at Camp Cosmo this year because of the damage. The buildings will need to be rebuilt.
The report didn’t specify the cause of the damage there, but it is known that arson is suspected.
Public losses going back to 2010 are reported at the province’s website at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/ministries/health/other-reports/public-losses.
