Restructuring and reduction of overtime are the hallmarks of the health region as it balanced its 2010-11 budget
The Spiritwood and District Health Complex and Big River Health Centre will see the biggest changes. There has been the maintenance of service keeping the facilities ready to reopen as acute-care centres
That staffing level will change to reflect their usage as long-term and alternate-care facilities.
There will be reduction in the number of nurses and an increase in the number of special-care aides
“This will not occur overnight. This will need to be phased in,” said Cecile Hunt, CEO of the health region
“There are a significant number of people who will be affected by these changes and we will never forget that ... These are good people.
The budget, which was approved by the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region board Wednesday, plans expenditures of $181.3 million for the year
The region received a 5.3 per cent increase in base funding from the Ministry of Health, but there was going to be a $2.8-million shortfall
To make up the shortfall, expenses are being reduced in three areas: $1.116 million in sick time, overtime and work place injury costs, $281,300 in shared services and $1.4 million with general efficiencies and program changes
“It was difficult; $2.8 million is a lot of money from our perspective ... The need will be there to do things differently,” Hunt said
Restructuring includes lab services in Leoville, Big River, Spiritwood, and Hafford and laundry of all goods, except personal laundry for residents, from care homes going to the regional laundry
With all of the changes to save the $2.8 million, there will be an overall reduction of almost 18 full time equivalent positions
Programs throughout the region including the Wellness Centre in Prince Albert and the Mental Health Vitamin Clinic will be closed
The Ministry of Health has mandated sick time and overtime be reduced by the health regions
“We do know there are consequences for not meeting these (goals),” Hunt said.
When the hip and knee replacement surgical targets were not met, the Ministry of Health took about $309,000 from the region
Last year the region paid out $5.8 million in overtime and $3.8 million in sick time costs. Hunt is positive that the region can make changes.
“If we can attack our attendance management ... if we can save that million dollars (there), it means that other programs are sustained and perhaps expanded and grown,” she said.
