A ground-breaking ceremony marks the announcement of a new multi-purpose health care facility on the Keeseekoose First Nation.
The Saulteaux Pelly Agency Health Alliance (SPAHA) facility will provide a variety of services such as public health programming, palliative care, long-term care, and mental health services for the communities of Keeseekoose First Nation, Cote First Nation and The Key First Nation.
“We’re striving for a healthy community and to have a health care facility right in our community, that’s a huge step,” said Keeseekoose Chief Lee Ketchemonia.
“We don’t have to worry about our people … travelling an hour away or two hours away just to see a doctor and then wait another four or five hours to get in. The benefits are going to be huge in regard to our health and well-being.”
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The SPAHA health care facility is a collaborative initiative by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
“Once fully operational, SPAHA will provide primary health care, mental health programs and services, long-term care and palliative care for Indigenous Peoples both living on and off reserve,” stated Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services in a release.
“This exciting partnership between Indigenous communities, the Province of Saskatchewan, and Indigenous Services Canada embodies a new approach to health service delivery. Congratulations to all partners who made this possible!”
The health care facility will include 18 long-term beds, three transformational beds and two palliative care beds. The official construction begins on Sept. 25th and is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.
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“Our Elders never wavered. They know the importance of healthy community members,” stated SPAHA CEO Theodore Quewezance.
“Our people’s trauma affects their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being, and access to the health system continues to be a barrier that we need to overcome. SPAHA is helping us access.”
The SPAHA multi-purpose health care facility will cost the $41 million to construct.
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