Latest news with #TheHealthFoundation
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Health
- 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:
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Deprivation and ethnicity behind ‘considerable' inequality in premature death
There is a 'clear association' between where you live and your risk of dying prematurely, with factors such as deprivation and ethnicity accounting for much of the difference across local areas, a new study has found. Education, occupation and whether someone was born in the UK are also likely to contribute to the sharp contrasts that are evident around the country. The research is the first of its kind to explore the impact of such characteristics on premature mortality at a local level. It has been carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on behalf of independent charity The Health Foundation, which said the findings can be used 'to support co-ordinated action to address health inequalities'. Premature mortality is defined as someone who dies from any cause before they reach the age of 75. The study focused on adults in England and Wales in the period March 2021 to December 2023. In partnership with The Health Foundation, we've published insights into premature mortality rates for adults in upper tier local authorities in England and Wales, accounting for differences in sex, age, ethnicity, whether born in the UK, and socioeconomic characteristics. — Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) July 8, 2025 It found that levels of premature death in Blackpool, the local authority with the highest rate at 696 per 100,000 people, were nearly 2.5 times above those in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames, which had the lowest rate of 285 per 100,000. While these figures took into account differences in age and sex among the local population, they did not reflect ethnicity, nationality of birth and socio-economic factors such as deprivation and education. But after further adjustment for ethnicity and being born outside the UK, Blackpool's mortality rate was found to be 2.3 times higher than Richmond upon Thames – and with additional adjustment for socio-economic status, it fell to 1.1 times higher. By contrasting the mortality rates before and after these factors were taken into account, the ONS was able to see the influence such characteristics have on levels of premature death. Socio-economic status has 'the greatest impact on variation in premature mortality rates, suggesting that it accounts for a considerable proportion of these geographical inequalities', the ONS said. This trend was evident not only when considering levels of premature mortality from all causes but also for premature deaths due to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory conditions. Daniel Ayoubkhani, head of the ONS health research group, said: 'This analysis shows a clear association between where you live and your risk of dying prematurely. 'When accounting for differences in age and sex, we see that there are substantial differences in premature mortality rates across local authorities in England and Wales. 'For the first time, we have explored the role of socioeconomic characteristics, ethnicity, and whether someone was born in the UK in geographic variations in premature mortality, revealing that these factors explain much, but not all, of the differences in premature mortality rates between local authorities.' Charles Tallack, Health Foundation director of research and analysis, said: 'The opportunity of living a long and healthy life is dependent on the socio-economic conditions people live in. 'This analysis can be used to support co-ordinated, cross-sector action to address health inequalities.'
