The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s operating budget for this fiscal year is $4.36-billion, as approved by its Board of Directors. The SHA says in a news release that the Health Ministry has allocated $90-million in one-time funding for COVID-19 response in 2021-22.  In the past fiscal year the Ministry provided just over $373-million in additional funding to address pandemic costs.

Board Chair Arlene Wicks says some of the pandemic costs include more staff compensation from the extra hours, more personal protective equipment and other related supplies and infrastructure. The Board also approved a capital expenditure plan of more than $159-million for this fiscal year, which Wicks says will be invested in key priorities while also continuing to respond to the pandemic. $7.2-million will go towards enhanced mental health and addictions programming and $6.6-million to reduce EMS and Emergency Department wait times. Other funding highlights include $4.4-million for patient flow initiatives to ensure patients are receiving the right care at the right time as close to home as possible, and $6-million for additional Continuing Care Aides in Long-Term Care and Home Care.

CEO Scott Livingstone says, “While pandemic management and vaccine delivery are still our primary focus, this budget will enable us to continue our overall momentum on our Connected Care Strategy by investing in targeted initiatives that enhance the accessibility and timeliness of key services for Saskatchewan residents.” That includes additional support for those struggling with mental health and addictions, reducing wait times for emergency services and diagnostic imaging and additional support for continuing care.

SaskBuilds stimulus funding of $75-million will be used for infrastructure maintenance, with another $8-million for the La Ronge Long Term Care project and $6-million for the Regina and Saskatoon Urgent Care Centres.