
Rural hospitals receive funding for critical small projects and equipment from Saskatchewan Blue Cross
Through its Community Investment Program, Saskatchewan Blue Cross invites rural hospitals to apply for funding each year to help bring important health initiatives to life, from small-scale improvement projects to essential equipment purchases that directly impact patient care.
"At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we know that health care isn't one-size-fits-all and doesn't stop at city limits," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO at Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "Rural hospitals are at the heart of their communities. By investing in the tools and technology they need, we're helping ensure that every corner of Saskatchewan has access to the care people deserve close to home, when it matters most."
This round of funding will support:
A Blanket Warmer in Long-Term Care – Lloydminster Region Health Foundation
A bariatric phlebotomy chair – Moose Jaw Health Foundation
A Mental Health Bed – The Health Foundation in Yorkton
FUJIFILM Sonosite Point of Care Visualization Tool – Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation
Three safety bed alarms – Outlook & District Health Foundation Inc.
"Funding from Saskatchewan Blue Cross will enable the purchase of a Sonosite Point-of-Care Ultrasound System," said Dr. Alain Lenferna, Board Member of the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation and Family Physician Anaesthetist at the Weyburn General Hospital. "This technology will allow physicians to accurately visualize fine anatomical details at the patient's bedside, supporting confident, real-time diagnosis and treatment — ultimately improving patient safety and satisfaction."
"Thanks to the generosity of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we can now provide a more inclusive and comfortable experience for every patient who needs bloodwork," said Ryan Hrechka, Chair of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. "This investment directly supports dignity in care and reflects Blue Cross's strong commitment to community health."
"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Saskatchewan Blue Cross for their generous donation towards the purchase of a spirit mental health bed for the Yorkton Regional Hospital," said Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation in Yorkton. "Saskatchewan Blue Cross provides ongoing support through their program to assist rural hospitals, which has been invaluable to us and we are truly grateful for their continued partnership. With their donation, we can now provide even better care for our patients in need of mental health support. Thank you, Blue Cross, for your unwavering commitment to our community's health and well-being."
This initiative is part of Saskatchewan Blue Cross' ongoing commitment to empowering healthy lives across the province. To learn more about the Community Investment Program and how Saskatchewan Blue Cross is making a difference in communities across Saskatchewan, visit: sk.bluecross.ca/community.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Cision Canada
Rural hospitals receive funding for critical small projects and equipment from Saskatchewan Blue Cross
SASKATOON, SK, Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Rural hospitals across the province are getting a boost in support from Saskatchewan Blue Cross as part of their Community Investment Program. Aimed at supporting critical equipment purchases and small but impactful health projects, this investment helps ensure healthcare teams in smaller communities have the tools to deliver quality care, right where people live, work and raise families. Through its Community Investment Program, Saskatchewan Blue Cross invites rural hospitals to apply for funding each year to help bring important health initiatives to life, from small-scale improvement projects to essential equipment purchases that directly impact patient care. "At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we know that health care isn't one-size-fits-all and doesn't stop at city limits," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO at Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "Rural hospitals are at the heart of their communities. By investing in the tools and technology they need, we're helping ensure that every corner of Saskatchewan has access to the care people deserve close to home, when it matters most." This round of funding will support: A Blanket Warmer in Long-Term Care – Lloydminster Region Health Foundation A bariatric phlebotomy chair – Moose Jaw Health Foundation A Mental Health Bed – The Health Foundation in Yorkton FUJIFILM Sonosite Point of Care Visualization Tool – Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation Three safety bed alarms – Outlook & District Health Foundation Inc. "Funding from Saskatchewan Blue Cross will enable the purchase of a Sonosite Point-of-Care Ultrasound System," said Dr. Alain Lenferna, Board Member of the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation and Family Physician Anaesthetist at the Weyburn General Hospital. "This technology will allow physicians to accurately visualize fine anatomical details at the patient's bedside, supporting confident, real-time diagnosis and treatment — ultimately improving patient safety and satisfaction." "Thanks to the generosity of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we can now provide a more inclusive and comfortable experience for every patient who needs bloodwork," said Ryan Hrechka, Chair of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. "This investment directly supports dignity in care and reflects Blue Cross's strong commitment to community health." "We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Saskatchewan Blue Cross for their generous donation towards the purchase of a spirit mental health bed for the Yorkton Regional Hospital," said Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation in Yorkton. "Saskatchewan Blue Cross provides ongoing support through their program to assist rural hospitals, which has been invaluable to us and we are truly grateful for their continued partnership. With their donation, we can now provide even better care for our patients in need of mental health support. Thank you, Blue Cross, for your unwavering commitment to our community's health and well-being." This initiative is part of Saskatchewan Blue Cross' ongoing commitment to empowering healthy lives across the province. To learn more about the Community Investment Program and how Saskatchewan Blue Cross is making a difference in communities across Saskatchewan, visit:


Cision Canada
28-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross supports high-risk communities with $50,000 for equipment for screening chronic kidney disease
SASKATOON, SK , July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - In Saskatchewan, ten per cent of the population lives with a form of kidney disease. Over the last ten years, the number of individuals with kidney disease requiring dialysis has increased by 50 per cent. Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is frequently called the "silent killer", as it can progress without obvious symptoms until it's too late. Individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney failure must visit a dialysis centre three to four times a week, with each visit lasting up to four hours until transplant or end of life. For a family near a city centre, this unrelenting schedule can be challenging. For families in rural Saskatchewan, the diagnosis can be devastating – often resulting in hours of travel or having to leave their communities to be closer to care. Those residing in Northern Saskatchewan are uniquely susceptible to CKD, with access to care and the genetic predisposition of the disease among Indigenous peoples being distressing factors in the increased rate of CKD. The disease also increases the risk of other life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and limb amputations. Through a shared vision with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, St. Paul's Hospital Foundation are working together on prevention and early treatment with the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. The campaign supports better patient-centred modalities of care that improve their experience, autonomy and outcomes during treatment. This includes new programs, centres and support for those at risk or facing CKD. The By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign is a critical initiative to change these devastating, preventable outcomes. Its three priorities are access to care and education, holistic care and proactive prevention. The main priority is the Early Screening Program, which provides individuals, particularly in high-risk communities, with access to early detection and education. "At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we believe access to early detection and education can change lives," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "Our $50,000 commitment to St. Paul's Hospital Foundation's 'By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign' reflects our dedication to improving health outcomes in Saskatchewan, especially in high-risk and underserved communities. We hope others are equally motivated to support the Early Screening Program for Chronic Kidney Disease, bringing much-needed care and hope to individuals and families across the province." This critical funding from Saskatchewan Blue Cross supports purchasing vital equipment required for screening CKD. It also promotes the gathering of vital data that will help lay the foundation for a sustainable early diagnosis system in at-risk communities. "We are deeply grateful to Saskatchewan Blue Cross for their generous support of the By Your Side Kidney Health Campaign and the Early Screening Program," said Lecina Hicke, CEO of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. "Their partnership is helping to close critical gaps in care by creating access to early detection and education in underserved and remote communities. Together, we are working to build a stronger, more equitable healthcare system that ensures everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it most." The equipment is just the beginning. St. Paul's Hospital Foundation is committed to raising $10 million for the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. Their hope is to create patient-centred and holistic health initiatives that save lives, while reducing the economic and social impacts of early-onset kidney failure. Learn more about the campaign and donate by visiting the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation website


Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross launches flexible unparalleled health plan for those 50+
New Retiree Plan offers guaranteed acceptance, comprehensive drug and travel benefits with 36 customizable coverage combinations to reflect the changing retirement landscape. SASKATOON, SK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As the residents of Saskatchewan retire, many are left navigating a new chapter without the security of health insurance. Rising healthcare costs and changing wellness needs make retiring confidently more complicated than ever. In response to the need for accessible health plan solutions that can fit any health and financial situation and evolve with you as your needs change with age, Saskatchewan Blue Cross has launched a new Retiree Plan, providing extensive flexible health and travel benefits for individuals 50 and older. "Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and your retirement health plan shouldn't be either," says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "With unparalleled flexibility our new Retiree Plan adapts seamlessly to diverse health needs and financial situations and removes barriers to access by eliminating health questionnaires that exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. We're proud to empower retirees with a plan that supports their well-being every step of the way, through innovative services like virtual care, preventative wellness programs, comprehensive coverage and a commitment to providing benefits that support holistic, proactive healthcare." Why this matters now With 135,000 Saskatchewan residents approaching retirement in the next five years, the transition from workplace benefits to a strong personal health plan is key. People are living longer, managing complex health needs, and expecting more from their health plan. For rural retirees, access is everything. Our plans come with embedded virtual care, 24/7 navigation and support that meets you where you are. What makes the Retiree Plan different Unlike traditional products, Saskatchewan Blue Cross' new plan offers ultimate flexibility, including: Expanded travel protection – up to 65 days per trip, with $5 million in out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical coverage. No medical questionnaires or exclusions for pre-existing conditions – you're covered regardless of your health or prescription medications 36 plan combinations across three tiers (Basic, Classic and Enhanced) – allowing you to match your health and financial needs, with the option to adjust as needed*. Expansive drug coverage, including vaccines and Exception Drug Status (EDS) medications – plus smoking cessation supports and more. Robust health practitioner and extended benefits coverage – including annual eye exams, physiotherapy, counselling and more. Virtual care on demand – providing unlimited access to Nurse Practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one visit. Enhanced mental wellness support – up to 20 counselling sessions with unlimited cases through Homewood Health's Individual Assistance Program (IAP). Life Smart Coaching and preventative wellness – including Health Risk Assessments, nutrition, financial planning and more. Optional dental coverage – the ability to tailor coverage and opt out, offering flexibility for those eligible under the Canada Dental Care Plan. Ongoing plan flexibility – with the option to increase your coverage at any time or decrease after two years*. Built for Saskatchewan, by Saskatchewan As a not-for-profit organization trusted by generations, Saskatchewan Blue Cross understands and integrates with provincial health programs, ensuring you get the maximum value from your benefits plan and government plans you're eligible for.