Increasing the capacity of the health care system

The 2024-25 Budget invests in expanding patient access and delivery improvements within acute care hospitals, facilities and other settings through a wide range of initiatives.

Budget highlights inlcude:

  • $71.4 million will focus on increasing the capacity of the acute care system, including:
    • $30 million for the Saskatoon and Regina Capacity Pressures Actions plans; and
    • $10 million for the Regina Urgent Care Centre.
  • $248.9 million for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), an increase of $26.1 million, or 11.7 percent. This will allow the SCA to increase volumes and allow patients to access the most effective and leading-edge oncology drugs, therapies and treatment options.
  • $3.5-million increase for breast cancer care and screening initiatives will include technology enhancements and new diagnostic imaging equipment, as well as the development of a Breast Health Centre in Regina.
  • $14.5-million increase for primary care programs in the province
    • extending a primary care pilot in Swift Current;
    • further integrating nurse practitioners in support of physician clinics;
    • enhancing HealthLine’s 811 services;
    • increasing access to chronic pain clinics in Regina and Saskatoon; and
    • improving testing capacity and expanding access to testing for sexually transmitted and blood borne infections
  • $43.5 million to stabilize services and programming so Saskatchewan seniors can live safely and comfortably in their home communities for as long as possible. This includes a new funding model for third-party, long-term care facilities and alternate level of care beds that allow for care in settings other than hospitals.
  • $1.6-million increase for pediatric programs at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital to enhance and stabilize resource levels. This investment will improve access to neonatal care closer to home for northern Saskatchewan patients.
  • $1.5-million increase for continued investment in critical and intensive care services as part of a multi-year strategy to expand Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity. The funding increase supports recent recruits and new positions for clinical staffing at Battlefords Union Hospital and Yorkton Regional Health Centre, as well as new positions for Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.
  • $5.1- million to increase medical imaging capacity  and decrease the waitlist for MRI and CT scans.
  • $7.5-million increase to enhance emergency medical services (EMS). This investment will support additional EMS and community paramedicine positions to further enhance and stabilize services, including in rural and northern communities. The 911 system will be modernized to accept texts, videos and photos.