Eight new nurses have been hired in the Sun Country Health Region, along with other health professionals, the board of directors were told by Cal Tant, CEO of Sun Country Health Region, at the monthly board meeting on Wednesday.

"We continue to be focused on recruiting nurses and health professionals for the region, by attending fairs in the province to reach those that are looking to stay in the province and by encouraging professionals in other provinces to consider Sun Country for employment," said Tant.

Recruitment continues to be a challenge for the health region, as even though they do hire on new nurses, they also have had nurses leave from the region due to retirements and staff relocation to new opportunities.

As recruitment continues, Tant said that the 'yes' vote from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses for a contract with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations is "very happy news. Especially since the package offered makes our nurses very competitive with the rest of western Canada."

"There is so much to say regarding the value of nurses in our health region, and the rest of the province," said Tant. "They are the ones who are constantly giving the day to day care and deserve to be recognized for their efforts."

During the board meeting, the directors also received board education on Advance Care Planning, also known as Health Care Directives or a Living Will. Four Sun Country representatives attended a symposium in May of 2007 in Alberta reported to the board on their findings and making residents in Saskatchewan aware of creating their own Advance Care Planning statement.

Currently SAHO is lobbying for initiates from the provincial government to help educate residents on how to develop an Advance Care Plan and inform family, friends and medical care workers of their plan.

No action was taken by the board on initiating a program in Sun Country Health Region, as they wait for direction from SAHO on how to proceed.