This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta Minister of Health Fred Horne and Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health Tim McMillan signed a memorandum of understanding that enhances the collaboration between the two provinces on the delivery of health services to the community.
“By working together, we can better ensure the health needs of Lloydminster residents are met. This collaborative approach will enable us to provide the most appropriate services in a more coordinated and efficient way. Ultimately, it will mean improved care for the people of Lloydminster.”
In addition, Alberta and Saskatchewan are investing more than $1 million to develop a third operating room at the Lloydminster Hospital, $750,000 a year to introduce the first Home First/Quick Response program to enhance home care services, and Alberta is joining Saskatchewan to further develop the Prairie North Health Centre for a total of $1.1 million. The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, as a community partner, has also committed more than $1 million towards primary and acute care.
“These investments are an initial step in addressing the growth in Saskatchewan, as well as the health needs of this vibrant and dynamic community. Our governments are working together to provide quality care and sustainable services to the people of Lloydminster, now and in the future.”
Last year, a working group of local stakeholders and government representatives from both provinces called the Lloydminster Health Services Working Group was created to address the unique health care needs of Lloydminster. Actions have since been taken to ensure residents have access to consistent health care services:
- physicians can now hold licences in both Saskatchewan and Alberta, allowing them to work in both provinces;
- integration of Alberta Netcare is expected to be complete by end of 2014, which will ensure better information access for health professionals and improve patient care; and
- emergency care services and protocols will be standardized between Alberta and Saskatchewan to ensure consistency.
The MOU will create a Bi-Provincial Health Services Committee to help ensure the unique health service needs in this border city are addressed.
“Today marks a first for the City of Lloydminster and the future of healthcare in our city. We are committed to ensure ongoing community involvement and coordination of healthcare for all.”