Academic Health Sciences Network established in Saskatchewan
Posted January 30, 2002
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FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE -- January 30, 2002 2002-01-06-OTHER
Academic Health Sciences Network established in Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK -- The creation of a new academic health sciences network
marks the beginning of a unique partnership between health districts,
university, and the provincial government, which will enhance patient care,
improve education, and focus research priorities.
The University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon District Health, Regina Health
District, and the Government of Saskatchewan have formed the initial core of
the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network. All of the health science
colleges at the University of Saskatchewan, including the College of
Medicine, will play a role in the new Network. It will also place an
emphasis on developing linkages with other bodies including all Regional
Health Authorities, the University of Regina, SIAST, and the Saskatchewan
Indian Federated College (SIFC).
The partners in the new Network will cooperate in integrated teaching and
learning models for health care professionals, targeted areas of research,
primary health care delivery, and in providing specialty services.
The Network's first priorities will be the recruitment of physicians and
other health professionals, joint planning for space and infrastructure
allocations, establishment of research priorities, and the development of
integrated learning models for healthcare professionals.
The Network board will be comprised of representatives appointed by the
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon District Health, Regina Health
District, other health districts, Saskatchewan Health, and Saskatchewan
Post-Secondary Education & Skills Training. It will be co-chaired by
Saskatoon District Health and the University of Saskatchewan.
The partners have agreed on ten basic principles that will guide the
activities and decision-making of the Network. The first such principle is
the interdependence of clinical care, teaching, and research. The
integration of these three aspects of our province's health care system is
critical to ensuring that system is providing the highest quality care for
Saskatchewan people.
At least three consultants hired over the past decade to review health care
matters in Saskatchewan have indicated the need for a stronger and more
symbiotic relationship between the clinical care, teaching, and research
components of our system. (See backgrounder.)
Another guiding principle says the Network will seek to collaborate with
other agencies, institutes, and centres, particularly those in other parts
of the prairie region, to achieve the best possible outcomes for clinical
care, teaching, and research.
The Network is expected to affect all health regions, expanding the
knowledge of local practitioners and offering students the opportunity to
work in rural and urban settings. It will also work toward the
sustainability of specialty and sub-specialty services that are high quality
and consistent with community needs.
"Saskatchewan people have a proud story to tell and we are writing a new
chapter today that is unique in Canada," said Saskatoon District Health
Board Chair Robert Bundon. "By working together in the creation of the
Academic Health Sciences Network, we are committing to improving the health
care, education, and research needs of our community and province."
"I am delighted at this recognition of the health sciences colleges as an
integral part of Saskatchewan's health care system," said Frank Quennell,
Board Chair, University of Saskatchewan. "This framework is a firm first
step in creating a new model for academic health sciences in our province.
"We are pleased that the Network reflects a provincial mandate," said Anita
Bergman, the Regina District Health Board Chairperson. "The Regina Health
District looks forward to being a strong and active partner in the Network."
"This network presents an exciting opportunity for educators, health care
professionals, and the government to work together to achieve better health
care for the people of this province," said Health Minister John Nilson.
"Collaboration and teamwork are important principles as we continue to
enhance our health care service with more focus on primary care and
interdisciplinary teams."
"Partnership is as natural to Saskatchewan people as is innovation in health
care," said Pat Lorjé, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and
Skills Training. "This Network combines both traditions, for the benefit of
Saskatchewan people in health care, education, and research."
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For more information, please contact:
Cindy Paquette
Office of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6640
(306) 230-4200 (cell)
Daryl Oshanek
Communications Director
Saskatoon District Health
(306) 655-1025
Alan Chapple
Public Affairs Consultant
Regina Health District
(306) 766-5332
Myrna Stark-Leader
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Health
(306) 787-4083
Terry White
Communications Consultant
PSEST
(306) 787-1069
Or check the website:
www.saskhealthsciencesnetwork.usask.ca
