Health Minister Jim Reiter announced that the provincial government will invest $17.8 million in 87 health facility maintenance and upgrade projects across Saskatchewan.
These projects are part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion two-year capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery.
Under the two-year, $2 billion capital booster shot to build a strong Saskatchewan, $200 million of additional funding was designated for health infrastructure, including $100 million for health facility maintenance funding.
“This increase in capital funding will help us upgrade existing health care facilities and improve the experiences of patients, residents and staff,” Reiter said. “Our government recognizes the importance of maintaining and upgrading facilities and supporting safe health care environments. By connecting this work to our province’s economic recovery, Saskatchewan residents will benefit from improved health care as well as an improved economy.”
The $17.8 million in additional maintenance funding in 2020-21 will finance 87 facility improvement projects, including roof replacements, renovations to clinic spaces, generator and boiler replacements, and security improvements, including:
• Front entrance upgrades at Battlefords Union Hospital
• Water and sewer line replacement at the Regina General Hospital
• Replace roof on 1978 Building at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon
• Boiler replacement project at Melfort Hospital
• Design for new ambulance bay at the La Ronge Health Centre
• Generator replacement/upgrade project Kindersley Hospital and District Health Centre
• Replace the cast iron pipes in the acute care wing of the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre
Of the $100 million in health renewal project funding announced as part of the plan to build a strong Saskatchewan, a total of $25 million will be provided in 2020-21, including the $17.8 million in health maintenance projects and $7.2 million in long-term care maintenance projects announced earlier this week.
The remaining $75 million is allocated for 2021-22 and is expected to allow a further 225 projects to be completed.
The funding will be in addition to the $55 million for health facility maintenance and upgrades already included in the 2020-21 Budget.
Local communities and industries will benefit directly from these projects, and will be included in planning and construction work.