(SASKATOON) June 23, 2005 -- A new and innovative way to deliver health services to Saskatoon west-side residents is one step closer to reality today with the unveiling of the architectural design for the "University of Saskatchewan & Saskatoon Health Region West Winds Primary Health Centre."
West Winds Primary Health Centre is a joint initiative between Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) and the College of Medicine's Department of Academic Family Medicine. Both organizations will jointly occupy and operate the Centre. This is the first time in Saskatchewan and Canada that a health region and a college of medicine have partnered together to bring a community team approach to primary health. The partnership will result in a fully integrated service, teaching and research team.
The partners envision a fully integrated Primary Health Centre with a full range of services including individual health screening, intervention, treatment and population health promotion in one convenient location.
"We are very pleased to be working jointly with the Department of Academic Family Medicine to be able to respond to the health needs of Saskatoon's residents, especially the west-side citizens, by improving access to these primary health services," says Sheila Achilles, General Manager, Primary Health, Saskatoon Health Region.
As identified by recent SHR and U of S studies, the west-side of Saskatoon is one of the least well-serviced areas from a health needs perspective. "We hope that the West Winds Primary Health Centre will help reinforce the University's commitment to its communities, to socially accountable health care education, and to the improved health of residents living in west-side neighborhoods surrounding the new Centre. We are pleased to be partnering with Saskatoon Health Region service providers in this exciting new interdisciplinary venture," says Dr. Keith Ogle, Chair, Department of Academic Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
Primary Health involves teams of health care providers working with individuals, families and communities in order to best address and meet their specific health needs.
West Winds is slated to open sometime in late 2005 - early 2006. West Winds is located in the former Union Centre on Fairlight Drive in Saskatoon.
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Leanne Nyirfa
Corporate and Public Affairs
Saskatoon Health Region
(306) 655-3386
Tina Merrifield
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2213
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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