People gathered from near and far to commemorate the grand opening of the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility. The event also noted the renovations made at the Western Senior Citizens Home. Among the distinguished guests were Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit, the Honourable Douglas Steele, MLA for the Cypress Hills Constituency, Bryce Martin, Executive Director Primary Health Care for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Tim Geiger, Chairperson for the Leader and District Trust Advisory Committee. Brenda Schwan, Executive Director Continuing Care for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, acted as the emcee for the event.
by T. Martin-Schmunk
of The Crossroads
It was a day to celebrate on Oct. 26, 2018, as people gathered from near and far to commemorate the grand opening of the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility. The event also noted the renovations made at the Western Senior Citizens Home.
Among the distinguished guests were Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit, the Honourable Douglas Steele, MLA for the Cypress Hills Constituency, Bryce Martin, Executive Director Primary Health Care for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Tim Geiger, Chairperson for the Leader and District Trust Advisory Committee. Brenda Schwan, Executive Director Continuing Care for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, acted as the emcee for the event. She made introductions and welcomed community members, staff members and clients to the opening.
[emember_protected for=”2″ custom_msg=’For more on this story, please see this week’s print edition of The Cross Roads.’]
The Honourable Greg Ottenbreit brought greetings on behalf of the province of Saskatchewan. He remarked on the official sod-turning for the facility in September of 2016, noting also his own cancer diagnosis at that time, and the high quality of health care in the province. The Minister acknowledged the many individuals involved, including Tim Geiger, as well as Wayne Elhard (in attendance) as “tireless advocates” and made mention of former premier Brad Wall’s involvement. In a statement made previously, the Minister said, “The completion of this project shows our government’s commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services for residents of Leader and surrounding communities. We commend the work of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, our municipal partners, and the people of Leader and surrounding communities in making this vision a reality.”
The Honourable Douglas Steele extended greetings and well wishes. Bryce Martin, on behalf of Saskatchewan Health Authority took the opportunity to thank the Town of Leader, the Rural Municipalities of Happyland, Chesterfield, Clinworth, Deerforks, Enterprise and Fox Valley, and referred to the facility as a “vital link to health care.” Martin commented that the renovations of the Western Senior Citizens Home created a “more home-like atmosphere.” He concluded his remarks with a reference to the sun continuing to shine on this building, complementing the warm and caring environment.
Leader’s own Tim Geiger, speaking on behalf of the Leader and District Trust Advisory Committee, stated that it was an honour and a privilege to have been part of this endeavour. He also commented that there have been “so many changes and challenges” as the staff settle in at the new facility, and thanked them for their patience. Geiger recognized Leader Composite School students in attendance; representing the SRC were Rylan Cocks, Julia Deering and Madison Kobelsky. Geiger acknowledged the youth as the future of our community.
Special guest and resident at the home, 82-year old Judy Yanko, had the opportunity to share her gratitude. Lynne Resch, Patient and Family Advisor, and the daughter of Yanko, spoke about patient-centred care. She shared her mother’s experience as a resident of the long-term care facility, as being a “secure place to call home.” Resch talked about “how relationships are built around kind words, and where the quality of life improves when we get to know each other.” She strongly urged people to “keep investing and supporting seniors” and expressed thanks for “making the wonderful improvements to a place we call home.”
The Ministerial Association was represented by Pastor Clint Oakman of Leader Alliance Church, Father Joseph Thazhathemuriyil of Little Flower Catholic Church, and Ben Hamm of Leader Victory Fellowship. Blessings and prayers were shared, while Pastor Oakman commented on the strong sense of community and family between the staff and residents.
Sada Kiltau, with assistance from Beverly Thompson, Manager of the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility, officially cut the cake. A resident of the long-term care facility, Sada will be turning 104 years old on November 9.
To conclude the program, guests were invited to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the healthcare facility.
The new facility brings together acute care, emergency medical services, community health services and primary health care into one location, with six inpatient beds and 10 exam rooms. A connecting corridor links the new facility to the 30-bed long-term care facility.
All inpatient rooms in the new facility are private, with ceiling track lifts for more comfortable patient transfers and less risk of staff injury. Communication regarding patient care is improved with the close proximity of all the available services. The facility has upgraded technology, equipment and furnishings.
The Saskatchewan government contributed $9.6 million toward the $12.1 million capital project. Local funding has covered the remainder of the cost.
The state-of-the-art facility will serve Leader and the surrounding area well into the future. Tim Geiger said it best when he stated, “Thank you to all those individuals and organizations involved in planning, fundraising, donating and helping in any way to make this dream of ours come true.”
[/emember_protected] 
