A budget of $157 million was approved by the Sun Country Regional Health Authority for their the 2016-17 budget.
A special budget meeting was held at Tatagwa View on July 19.
“This budget is balanced, fiscally responsible and remains patient- and family-centred,” said Marga Cugnet, president and CEO of Sun Country.
“It provides funding for the new CT and cataract surgery programs, as well as enhanced maintenance funds, expanded bursary programs for educating high-demand health care staff and shifts services to match patient needs.”
“As a result of good fiscal management over a period of many years, our plan is to cut costs through attrition to balance our budget,” said Cugnet.
“This year, the region will continue to focus on quality care for our patient, residents, and clients; reducing emergency department wait times while improving patient flow and care to seniors; and strengthening the mental health and addiction services available.”
The provincial direction to Sun Country Health Region included a reduction of $571,000 in administration costs, to be re-allocated to front line staffing in long term care facilities. That change is part of a provincial reduction of $7.5 million in health care administration costs across the province.
That funding is being removed from administration but stays in the region’s budget to be added to the hiring of continuing care aides, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, therapists and recreation therapists/ recreation workers. Two manager positions have been eliminated as a result, as well as a receptionist, two administrative assistants, and one regional director. Most of those positions have been vacant for some time so no layoffs will be required.
About 90 per cent of Sun Country’s budget comes from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health. Nine per cent comes from patient resident fees, such as fees for home care services, emergency medical services and long term care; and one per cent comes from other revenue like out of province fees for services provided here.
The capital and equipment budget includes $305,000 for one-time diagnostic, medical, patient comfort and safety equipment; $2 million in block funding for emergency infrastructure needs to repair/replace roofs, windows and boilers, and $1.3 million in equipment requests from facilities.
The region values its partnerships with our communities that provide donations and trust contributions to assist SCHR in purchasing needed equipment for facilities.
