The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Board of Directors has approved a $4.82 billion operating budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, as well as a capital expenditure plan of more than $314.7 million for 2023-24.
This is an increase from the $4.2 billion budget for the 2022-23 year, which also received $138.7 million for capital expenditures.
“Our Board recognizes the critical role our services play in supporting a high quality of life for all Saskatchewan residents,” said Arlene Wiks, SHA Board Chair. “The budget approved today strengthens those services by prioritizing investments that will enhance care for the patients and residents we serve across the province.”
Some of the highlights of the SHA’s 2023-24 operational budget include:
- $27.3 million to address the health human resource strategy to meet future healthcare needs.
- $42.5 million to the surgical program, to provide an additional 6,000 procedures (for a total of 103,000 surgeries this fiscal year).
- $39 million to support seniors’ care and facilitate seniors living in their own homes and the community.
- $19.8 million increase to support 64 permanent acute and complex care beds located at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon (36 beds) and Pasqua Hospital in Regina (28 beds).
- $8.8 million to enhance emergency medical services (EMS).
- $6 million for year two of a multi-year ICU enhancement strategy to support new ICU beds and improve levels of care at existing sites.
- $12.4 million to address new and ongoing Mental Health and Addictions initiatives.
- $7 million for specialized medical imaging services, including additional Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Interventional Radiology (IR) capacity in the province.
- $6.9 million to improve access and enhance Cardiology, Neurology, and Epilepsy Services.
“The investments in this budget focus on advancing our health human resource strategies, improving mental health and addiction services, and strengthening our commitment to provide seamless care as close to home as possible,” said Andrew Will, SHA’s Chief Executive Officer.
The SHA will also make major investments in capital infrastructure in 2023-24. Some of these major projects include:
- $63.8 million toward safety and emergency infrastructure, which includes enhancements to building envelopes, electrical work, fire safety, security, and interior, functional renovations.
- $41.2 in equipment funding to improve patient care including improvements to diagnostic imaging, operating rooms, patient rooms, infection control, and environmental services.
- $208.43 million to major capital projects in communities such as Prince Albert, Weyburn, Grenfell, Yorkton, La Ronge, Saskatoon, and Regina.
- $1.3 million to long-term care ventilation projects and upgrades at various long-term care facilities throughout the province.
“Government investments in new healthcare training seats, new incentives for healthcare workers, and new staff are creating positive momentum and enabling us to address the challenges we are facing,” said Will. “The investments in this budget take us another step forward, adding to that momentum by focusing on investments in our people, our services, and the infrastructure we rely on to provide high-quality, seamless care.”