The right steps are being taken to make a new hospital for Weyburn a reality, according to the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce.
The right steps are being taken to make a new hospital for Weyburn a reality, according to the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. On Friday, the Chamber invited representatives from the Sun Country Health Region, the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, the City of Weyburn and the RM of Weyburn, as well as Dustin Duncan, MLA for Weyburn-Big Muddy to a closed-door discussion about the hospital.
"This meeting was very positive, and the chamber can confidently say that everyone is doing what needs to be done to make this hospital a reality," said Jeff Richards, chamber manager.
"All those in attendance agreed that there are many unknowns at this point and also agreed that all the right steps are being taken," added Richards. Before the meeting, the chamber had assumed that all representatives at the meeting want a new hospital built in Weyburn, that a new hospital will be built in Weyburn, and that citizens and stakeholders in the region need clarity on the subject.
"The chamber acknowledged that there are many concerns in the community regarding location and services, and that those answers are not known yet," said Richards. He added that the provincial government needs to have confidence in the ability of the community to raise 20 per cent of the necessary funding, so that they can begin the necessary budgeting for their 80 per cent.
"The Sun Country Health Region has identified Weyburn as being in need of a new facility, and they have submitted the appropriate documentation to the Ministry of Health," said Richards. "The Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation has identified the fundraising must happen in order for us to get a new hospital, and they have engaged the city and surrounding municipalities in the fundraising."
One of the topics discussed by the meeting participants was costs of a new hospital. While no actual cost is yet known by any of the partners, if the community needs to fund raise for a $80 million facility, as example, then they would be responsible for $16 million as their 20 per cent.
"As of today, the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation has raised nearly $2 million, the Health Region has over a half million. The RM of Weyburn has committed to $1.25 million, the RM of Brokenshell has committed to over $250,000, and the City of Weyburn now represents about $6 million with their new levy," said Richards. "This represents nearly $10 million, which is very encouraging."
The amount already raised was also noted as encouraging by the Chamber, considering the fact that the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation was only incorporated in 2008. The foundation has their own website at www.wdhf.ca/ and now can be liked on Facebook.
The Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation is currently planning for their second annual Graham DeLaet charity golf tournament, set for Tuesday, July 11. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the building fund towards the future construction of a new hospital to serve the needs of Weyburn and surrounding area.
The current Weyburn General Hospital, at 201 First Avenue, has provided quality health care for over 60 years. It serves the Weyburn community with public health clinics, pediatrics, lifeline, intensive care, in-patient care, emergency out-patient care, day surgery, clinics and specialists and cardiology services.
"Although it might seem that may questions are unanswered, the reality is that in order for our community to continue progressing and attracting health care provides, we need a new hospital," said Richards. "Answers such as location will become available as we progress through the phases of development, which will happen over a number of years."
Residents who have further questions about the hospital are encouraged to contact the MLA. Businesses who want to support the new hospital can contact the hospital foundation or the chamber office for more information.
A public meeting on the proposed hospital will be held once more information is known about where the hospital will go, and what services will be provided.
