Sask. Health Authority operating budget set at $5.07 million

REGINA – The Saskatchewan Health Authority has an operating budget of $5.07 billion and a capital expenditure plan of over $448 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The SHA Board of Directors recently approved the budget.

“Our Board recognizes the critical importance of the services provided by SHA staff and physicians in providing quality care to all Saskatchewan residents,” said Arlene Wiks, SHA Board Chair.

“Thanks to the Government of Saskatchewan's significant investment in health care in this year's provincial budget, SHA will focus on improving care for patients and residents across the province. The SHA Board is confident that this financial plan will help us achieve our goal of providing an excellent patient experience.”

“The SHA 2024-25 budget underscores our commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring quality care for all Saskatchewan residents,” said Andrew Will, CEO of SHA.

“With significant operational investments, we are focused on delivering seamless care closer to home, expanding mental health and addiction services, and recruiting and supporting our dedicated healthcare professionals. We are also making significant capital investments to build and upgrade our healthcare facilities and equipment to improve both patient care and support our care teams.”

Highlights of the SHA’s 2024–25 operating budget include:

• $42.4 million to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their communities;

· Increase of $30.0 million to support the Capacity Constraint Action Plans in Saskatoon and Regina, which address capacity pressures in acute care and emergency departments;

· More than $24 million for new and ongoing mental health and addiction initiatives;

· $11.6 million to implement the health workforce strategy to meet future health care needs by creating 250 new full-time positions;

· $9.7 million to support the operation of the Urgent Care Centre in Regina; and

· $9.0 million to improve emergency medical services (EMS) and the third year of a multi-year critical care improvement strategy to support new intensive care beds and improve the level of care at existing sites.

· $5.8 million investment to expand the primary care pilot project in Swift Current and further integrate nurses and other health professionals to improve access to primary care;

· $5.1 million for specialised medical imaging services, including additional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capacity in the province;

· $4.5 million to improve access and expand cardiology and neurology services;

· $3.4 million investment in women's health, including the establishment of a Breast Health Centre in Regina and further improvements in breast health diagnostics and treatment;

· Increase of $2.4 million to address capacity issues in kidney health and organ and tissue donation;

· Increase of $2.3 million to further support the surgical program, reduce waiting lists and improve patient quality of life;

· $2.2 million increase for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric programs at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital and the statewide pediatric gastroenterology program;

In addition, the SHA will provide over $448 million for capital infrastructure in 2024–25, including:

• $337.4 million for the design and construction of major capital projects across the province, including the expansion of Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, Weyburn Hospital, La Ronge and Grenfell long-term care homes, ongoing funding for the planning and design of the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre and the Regina, Estevan and Watson long-term care homes, to name a few.
• $64.3 million for safety and emergency infrastructure, including building envelope improvements, electrical work, fire protection, security, and functional interior renovations;
• $40.3 million in equipment funding to improve patient care, including improvements in diagnostic imaging, operating rooms, patient rooms, infection control and environmental services;
• $6.1 million for other capital projects such as renovation of the pharmacy clean rooms, improvements to the Regina Chronic Pain Clinic and development of the Regina Breast Cancer Centre.