The Cypress Health Region will be receiving $52,441 of the $1.9 million in retention grant funding aimed at keeping healthcare workers in Saskatchewan.
Health Region officials are utilizing the funds to establish and maintain an in-house Cardiac Life Support Program. The program will train staff to use defibrillators and other cardiac emergency equipment, a level of training which will contributed to improved workplace safety.
The funding was unveiled on Friday morning in support of 37 projects recommended by healthcare workers. The retention grant program is designed to retain workers through improved workplaces, better work-life balance and more professional development opportunities.
"Keeping and attracting key health providers is a top priority of this government," Health Minister Don McMorris said while announcing the funding. "I am pleased with the enthusiastic response to our retention grants. The best retention innovations often come from health providers themselves - they know what will work best in their workplaces - and this program makes use of that valuable knowledge."
McMorris also announced the provincial HealthLine will receive funding for advanced diabetes and telecare nursing educational opportunities. The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) will receive funding for workshops across the province for nurse managers to develop leadership practices. Also receiving funding are the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan and the SRNA who will provide workshops for nursing professionals on collaborative team building and communications based on best practices.
