Government of Saskatchewan News Release

Maple Creek today celebrated the grand opening of the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility, a new facility that is providing a range of health services all under one roof.  Health Minister Dustin Duncan, Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit and Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard joined health care workers, patients, families and residents at the celebration.

“The new Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility will improve the quality of care for residents in this community,” Duncan said.  “Today is a great day for the people of Maple Creek.”

“This new facility aligns with our government’s commitment to improve health care infrastructure in our province so that all patients, residents and families have the supports and services they need to live healthy lives,” Ottenbreit said.

The provincial government contributed $36.24 million toward the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility project which represents 80 per cent of total project costs.  Local funding covered the remaining 20 per cent.

“I’m pleased that our government was able to collaborate with the people of Maple Creek and area to reach our mutual goal of a new health care facility in this community,” Elhard said.  “I would like to congratulate the many community members, municipal councils, and organizations who have contributed their valuable time, expertise and financial resources to make this beautiful facility a reality.”

The Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility provides acute and emergency care services, as well as long-term care.  It is equipped with 48 long-term care beds and 24 acute care beds.  The facility replaces the 21-bed Maple Creek Hospital and the 48-bed Cypress Lodge Nursing Home.

“On behalf of the Cypress Regional Health Authority board, I am pleased that patients, long term care residents and community clients will now be able to access all health care services under one roof,” Cypress Regional Health Authority Board Chairperson Lyle Quintin said.  “After a tremendous amount of planning, it’s exciting for our staff to be providing important services to the community in this brand-new facility.”

In February 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the replacement of 13 long-term care facilities in the province.  The Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility is the eleventh of thirteen projects to be completed, with one in the construction phase in Kelvington and one in the planning phase in Meadow Lake.

Photos of the grand opening event are available in the photo gallery.