Work is proceeding behind the scenes for the planning stage for Weyburn’s new acute-care hospital, Health Minister and MLA Dustin Duncan told those attending the Weyburn Hospital Foundation’s charity fundraiser supper on July 12.
“We are working towards the shared goal of a new hospital here in Weyburn,” he said.
The supper, held at the Weyburn Curling Rink, included a live and silent auction, and capped a day of golf, with guest speaker Jim Hopson, the former president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Duncan commended the work of the Hospital Foundation. “I know how much work it takes, not only to raise awareness but to do all the work in going out to raise the funds, and dealing with all the questions you get on the street, like when will the new hospital be built?” he said, noting the momentum has in fact been building towards getting the new hospital here.
“Last year we provided $500,000 in planning dollars to the Sun Country Health Region,” said Duncan. “The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing the project particulars. … A project of this size takes time, and we want to make sure we get it right.”
The minister noted a project manager will be hired by the fall, and there will be consultation meetings with stakeholders in the coming months on what should be included in the new hospital in terms of services and facilities, “so the hospital will truly be a reflection of the community that will use it and support it.”
Marga Cugnet, president and CEO of the Sun Country Health Region, confirmed they are in the midst of the planning work with the Health ministry, and the board of trustees is working with the City of Weyburn on possible locations for the new hospital.
“We hope to present to the community in late fall some of our ideas” for locations, she added.
Cugnet, who was present with a number of board members at the supper, noted many faces were there who were also present for the first fundraiser event held six years ago.
