Rural Health Minister Tours Prince Albert to Discuss Investments

The Minister of Rural and Remote Health is visiting Prince Albert and Shellbrook today to engage with local leaders and health care staff. During this tour, the minister will provide updates on significant government investments in health care, highlighting a budget allocation of $462 million for major capital projects this year.

Among the key projects is the construction of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Acute Care Tower, which has received $322 million in funding. The project has reached a crucial milestone, with 25 percent of the work completed. Once fully operational, the tower will enhance hospital capacity by 40 percent, increasing the number of inpatient beds to 242.

“Our government is proud of the investments we are making in health infrastructure throughout the province,” said Minister Carr. “We are committed to improving access to health care for patients. Our priority is ensuring all residents of Saskatchewan receive the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”

In addition to the new tower, the government has invested $3.4 million in upgrades to the existing hospital since the 2024-25 budget. Recent enhancements include the acquisition of a new anesthetic machine and software for endoscopy procedures. Future upgrades will focus on critical infrastructure improvements, including a new elevator, roofing, building envelope, and HVAC systems. Notably, the facility will also acquire a new ENT microscope, fracture table, and a cryostat for anatomic pathology, all aimed at supporting rapid diagnoses.

The Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook is also set to benefit from $1.45 million allocated for replacing exterior walls. These investments reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to bolstering health care services across rural and remote communities in Saskatchewan.

The minister’s tour underscores the provincial government’s dedication to enhancing health infrastructure and ensuring that all residents have access to quality medical care within their communities.