Kindersley Health Services Needs Assessment

JOINT PRESS RELEASE WITH THE TOWN OF KINDERSLEY

Date: March 24, 2014

Review of the Health Service Needs of Residents in Kindersley

The Town of Kindersley, the Heartland Regional Health Authority, and the Ministry of Health have entered into an agreement to conduct a review of the health service needs of residents in Kindersley and the surrounding area. In view of heightened economic activity in the area and the potential for population growth, its location, and the complexity of stakeholder relationships in healthcare the parties want to ensure a sustainable and stable model for primary care delivery now and into the future. Western Management Consultants from Edmonton have been selected to conduct the review. The group has done similar work in other Saskatchewan communities.

The review will focus on the following objectives:

·         Assess current and anticipated demand and allocated resources for primary and acute care, emergency services, and long term care in the area.

·         Identify strengths and challenges impacting access to health care services including family physician services within the region.

·         Discuss and document the input of health care providers, the public, and other key stakeholders about current and potential service delivery options.

·         Based on current best practices in rural health service, document key considerations in the design and development of health service programs going forward.

·         Identify key service delivery considerations and recommend specific approaches and strategies within the context of the legislative and policy frameworks of Saskatchewan Health and the Province.

The first meeting of the Kindersley Health Services Needs Assessment Steering Committee took place at the Kindersley Town Hall on March 21st.

At this meeting:

·      A draft set of health service planning principles were reviewed. These will be updated and finalized at the next meeting of the Steering Committee.

·       A decision was made to complete the health services needs assessment by June 30, 2014.

·    Steering Committee members were tasked with confirming existing data and sources to inform the work. Steering Committee members were tasked with confirming key stakeholders to interview – either on an individual basis or as part of a focus group.

·      Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee will be finalized prior to the next meeting.

·      The next meeting of the Steering Committee is scheduled for April 4, 2014.

Mayor Enns-Wind stated that “He is looking forward to participating in a transparent process to identify and address the challenges that have been front and centre with stabilizing health care in Kindersley over the past few years."   Greg Cummings, CEO of Heartland Health Region said “The Health Region acknowledges the importance of positive partnerships between all kinds of stakeholders to address the complexities of an accessible and sustainable primary care system today."

For further information, please contact Mayor Enns-Wind at 306-463-2675 or Greg Cummings, CEO Heartland Health Region at 306-882-4111.

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Media: To arrange interviews contact:

LeAnne Paproski, Communications Coordinator, Heartland Health Region

(306) 882-4111, ext. 2311 or

Wayne Gibson, Communications Manager, Town of Kindersley

(306) 463-2675, ext 237