August 29, 2005

FLIN FLON—The Flin Flon General Hospital will receive $1.75 million in upgrades including $658,000 to be invested in relocating and improving dialysis services in the area, Premier Gary Doer announced here today.

“Upgrading the dialysis unit will increase the number of people who can be treated and make it easier for program staff to provide high-quality care,” said Doer.  “Offering dialysis close to home helps improve the quality of life for Manitobans who need this life-saving treatment by reducing travel times and disruptions to daily life for patients and their families.”

The project includes an increase to the number of dialysis stations to four from two, an examination room and washroom, new medical gas outlets at each bed location and a high-quality filtered water system.

“We’re pleased that these important upgrades to dialysis services will soon be underway,” said Drew Lockhart, CEO of the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority.  “The new unit will help us continue to provide integrated, responsive and accessible health services that support the needs of this community.”

Construction on the $658,000 project will begin in September and the project is expected to be completed by spring 2006.

Doer also noted the recent completion of $1.1-million project for a new front entrance allowing wheelchair access and improved ambulance access to the hospital.

“Manitoba Health and the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority noted the need for the upgrades to the dialysis unit and for the main entrance to be more accessible,” said Doer.  “These facility improvements are a part of this government’s continuing commitment to improving health care across the province and delivering better care sooner to all Manitobans.”

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