The Sunrise Regional Health Authority approved a 2011-2012 budget of just over $203.3 million last Wednesday.
The Region has budgeted for a surplus of just over $1.8 million to be used for mortgage and loan repayments as well. After a year that saw purse strings tightened to bring the Region back to a balanced budget the SHR says program cuts aren't included in this year's budget either.
"We thank our staff for their perseverance through what was a difficult budget implementation last year and for their ongoing dedication to excellence in health care," interim CEO Suann Laurent says, adding she thinks the upcoming budget year will allow for stronger financial backing in the Region.
Laurent notes 78 per cent of the budget is going toward compensation - such as wages - for the 2,847 people employed by the Region. The 2011-2012 budget will include a $2.4 million capital funding investment by the province as well to "make health facilities safer and more comfortable for patients and people who serve them," the SHR says.
"This funding allows the Region to complete our priority projects and equipment replacements and upgrades to support health services in communities throughout the region," vice-president of corporate services for SHR Lorelei Stusek says.
Laurent says the funding will directly affect Melville as well through its investment in the Region's surgical initiative.
"We only have two sites in the SHR (for its surgical initiative) and one is Melville," Laurent explains.
"Some of (the funding) is going to the program in its entirety so that includes Melville and Yorkton."
The SHR says the $2.4 million investment will also go towards building upgrades including nurse call systems, fire alarm systems and boiler replacements, safety and medical equipment, and the purchase of a radiography unit for diagnostic imaging.
This year's $203.3 million budget marks a $16 million increase over last year's $187 million budget.
