FRANCAIS

April 28, 2003

STE. ANNE--The renovation of Ste. Anne Hospital has been approved for design and construction, Health Minister Dave Chomiak has announced.

"The improvements to the hospital are very important to residents of the Ste. Anne area and we are pleased to see the project moving forward," said Chomiak.

"The 21-bed hospital facility requires infrastructure improvements so it can meet the needs of patients, health care professionals and staff," said Education and Youth Minister Ron Lemieux, who attended an event here today on behalf of Chomiak. "This announcement is another example of the government’s commitment to invest in health facilities in all corners of the province to ensure the delivery of patient care regardless of where people live."

Highlights of the project include the renovation of the nursing station and the birthing room as well as mechanical and electrical upgrades.

The project builds on the fundamentals of the Manitoba government’s plan to build on the fundamentals of medical care, including:

• investing in medical equipment, hospitals, personal care homes and other facilities needed to operate a modern health care system;
• training, recruiting and retaining doctors, nurses and other health professionals to practice in urban, rural and northern communities; and
• fostering innovation in technological health advancements that bring patient care and health information to Manitobans.

"The funding for the renovations and upgrades at Ste. Anne Hospital will mean an improved environment for our health care staff and our patients," said Reg Toews, chief executive officer, South Eastman Health/Santé Sud-Est. "We are pleased that Manitoba Health is supporting this project to ensure that we can continue to provide efficient and effective care to the residents of South Eastman."

Construction on the project is expected to begin later this year.

- 30 -