Saskatchewan Health Authority Marks One-Year Milestone

December 04, 2018

One year after beginning operations, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is better positioned than ever to build a health system that truly works for patients, families and residents and achieve its vision of Healthy People, Healthy Saskatchewan.

​“December 4, 2017, is not the day we amalgamated, it is the day we came together to combine our strengths,” CEO of Saskatchewan Health Authority Scott Livingstone said.

As one of Saskatchewan’s largest employers, the move from 12 regional health authorities to a single entity will continue for years to come. Still, the first year has seen many important milestones, including:

• The development of SHA’s vision, mission, organizational values and strategic direction, all foundational elements critical to any successful organization;
• Organizational restructuring to ensure provincial alignment and consistency;
•  Numerous infrastructure projects moved to completion including facilities in Leader, Regina, Cabri, Saskatoon and North Battleford; and
• The integration of both the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory and Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan into the SHA, providing the opportunity for better alignment and co-ordination of services.

“There is so much to look forward to as our organization continues to grow,” Livingstone said. “Connecting research, clinical evidence and innovation with front‐line providers will facilitate new ways of improving care across Saskatchewan – ways that include local voices and better co-ordination of services across regions and programs. That is the promise of a truly integrated health system – locally delivered and provincially strengthened.”

SaskHealth, SHA’s annual report to the community, is a publication intended to reflect upon SHA’s first year in operations, including key milestones, organizational facts and stories from around the province. The publication, along with anniversary videos and other supporting materials can be accessed here.

Key Dates in Year One

• December 4, 2017 – Legislation proclaimed to launch the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
• February 28, 2018- Cut Knife’s Primary Health Centre officially opens.
• April 1, 2018 – The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory joins the SHA.
• April 18, 2018- Lloydminster helipad construction announced.
• May 16, 2018 – Removal of 72-metre high crane signals exterior work on Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital nearly complete.
• May 28, 2018 – The SHA Board approves its first budget: $3.8 billion in operating dollars.
• July 20, 2018 – The SHA and the Métis-Nation Saskatchewan sign memorandum of understanding to work together.
• July 23, 2018- Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan joins the SHA.
• September 27, 2018- Staff and patients move into the Leader and District Integrated Health Care Facility.
• October 18, 2018- SHA and All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle sign Memorandum of Understanding at the grand opening of their collaborative satellite dialysis centre.
• October 25, 2018- The Gardens Community Health Centre officially opens in Regina.
• October 26, 2018- Police and Crisis Team launched in Prince Albert, improving front-line response to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
• November 5, 2018- Staff begin moving into the Community Health Centre at Market Mall in Saskatoon.
• November 13, 2018 – Staff and patients begin moving into Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.
• November 15, 2018 – Police and Crisis Team launched in Moose Jaw, improving front-line response to people experiencing a mental health crisis
• November 16, 2018- Cabri Medical Clinic officially opens as a primary health care site.
• November 30, 2018- Police and Crisis Team launched in North Battleford, improving front-line response to people experiencing a mental health crisis.

NT5