Facilities

New hospital in Saskatchewan gets green light

HUMBOLDT, Sask. – The Humboldt District Health Complex has received final approval to proceed to construction. An injection of capital funding paves the way for construction of the new $40 million building to replace the aging hospital in Humboldt.

The tender was awarded to Wright Construction Western Inc., after the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority requested that health region administration ensure that $3.2 million from this year’s provincial government infrastructure allocation be devoted to the Humboldt project. The provincial cabinet approved $2.7 million in additional funding to cover project cost increases due to high demand in the construction industry.

“The government wants to see this project move ahead without delay,” Health Minister Don McMorris said. “We are preparing Saskatchewan for growth by addressing the healthcare system’s infrastructure deficit. Residents and visitors will be well served in the Humboldt area by this new healthcare facility.”

“We’re very pleased that this project is finally going to construction,” said Saskatoon Regional Health Authority chair Darlene Eberle. “Community and area residents have waited a long time for this complex and have been extremely patient during the planning and approval process. We want to thank residents for their patience and all of their hard work, energy, and commitment to ensure this project becomes a reality. We also want to thank all residents from Humboldt and surrounding communities for their very generous financial commitment of more than $13 million dollars to the overall project.”

A total of $13.3 million in contributions from 29 area municipalities and funds raised by the St. Elizabeth’s Foundation have been pledged towards construction costs and the purchase of $2.5 million in equipment and furniture.

“On behalf of the City of Humboldt and area municipalities, this is a great day for all of us,” City of Humboldt mayor Malcolm Eaton said. “Construction of this facility signifies a high level of commitment to health services for our residents from the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Health Region for years to come. This facility sends a signal to investors that there is a long term commitment to quality services for their employees and area residents.”

Construction of the 38-bed facility is expected to begin soon, with completion by the fall of 2010.

The 80,000 square foot building will house acute care services including expanded space for ambulatory care, outpatient and emergency, therapies, diagnostic and lab services, chemotherapy and clinic space for visiting specialists.

In addition, Community Health Services – including home care, public health, mental health, addictions services and health promotion – will move into the new building. Locating acute and community-based services close together will improve access and allow greater coordination of health services.

The Government of Saskatchewan significantly increased the health system’s capital budget this year to $190 million for equipment, building maintenance and construction to make sure the benefits of Saskatchewan’s growing economy are felt across the province.