(file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Health Project

Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation helping create urgent care centre in Saskatoon

Oct 18, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, located northwest of Prince Albert, is helping create a new urgent care centre in Saskatoon.

The province and Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments (ACD), a business investment and development division for the nation, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop the building.

It’s planned to be an alternative to emergency departments for illnesses and injuries that are not life threatening, while also providing mental health supports.

“(This) announcement is historic and paves a path forward to improved access to urgent care, new supports for mental health and wellness and opportunities for training and employment for Indigenous and non-Indigenous citizens of Saskatchewan,” Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation Chief Larry Ahenakew said.

Through the MOU, the province and ACD will look to find a location for the centre and develop potential designs, economic models, and project costs. The ACD would also build and own the building while leasing it to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) who would staff and operate it.

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“Urgent care centres are innovative facilities that will help us meet our province’s evolving health needs, and this partnership is an innovative approach to delivering care,” Health Minister Paul Merriman added.

The MOU is set to expire at the end of 2022. It can be extended for up to 12 months.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow