Sun Country Regional Health Authority approved a $134 million operating budget at its regular monthly meeting on May 25.
A capital spending budget for infrastructure and equipment was also approved.
The budget will be used to implement the Region's new Strategic Plan. More details about the budget will be available in a news release published on the Region's website at www.suncountry.sk.ca
The Regional Health Authority (RHA) learned at the meeting that the Region has been awarded Accreditation with Condition by Accreditation Canada. National surveyors toured the Region and spoke with staff, clients and patients during the first week of May.
RHA Chair Sharon Bauche congratulated the staff of the Region for the work done during the Accreditation Survey and the good results. Almost 94 percent of the required organizational practices were met.
Accreditation surveyors said Sun Country Health Region (SCHR) staff exhibited a positive connection to their work, a high level of attachment to local facilities from their communities and a positive shift in attitude toward the Region.
Accreditation with condition means the organization is required to submit follow-up reports within a defined time frame.
The RHA accepted the resignation of member Debbie Pedlar, who has moved from Oxbow to Regina.
Among other things, the RHA learned:
*Two replacement ambulances were delivered to SCHR on April 28. One unit will be for Oxbow and the second unit for Weyburn.
*Since April 13, 11 registered nurses, five licensed practical nurses, one social worker, one dietician, one speech language pathologist, one pharmacist, one assessor, one combined lab/x-ray tech and four out-of-scope people have been hired. There have been many student hires for relief work over the summer. Resignations during this period include eight registered nurses, one occupational therapist and one licensed practical nurse.
*SCHR and the health foundations in the Region are in negotiations with upwards of 10 physicians who may eventually be approved to work in Canada. Five first-year medical students commenced their 2-week "community experience" program in SCHR on May 16.
*SCHR has updated its essential services plan in case of job disruption by the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS). SCHR is prepared to engage its essential services plan if necessary. Information has been placed on the website at www.suncountry.sk.ca and on radio stations indicating the status of services in the event of job action. Some services may be reduced and other services will not be provided if HSAS employees withdraw their services.
*The Region was found to be compliant with 93.8 percent of national infection prevention and control standards during the Accreditation survey in May. There were no practices requiring further attention. Education about the bacterial resistant bacteria called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been provided in all facilities within the Region.
*Radville and Fillmore Telehealth sites are officially up and running as of May 4. A total of 16 sites within the Region now have Telehealth capabilities.
*On May 4, representatives of the Board and management met with the Carlyle Town Council. Rumours regarding the closure and relocation of staff from the Community Services Building were put to rest. They are not moving and SCHR has no plans to close or relocate staff.
