ESTEVAN - A sod-turning ceremony was held Friday in Estevan at the preferred site of the community's new regional nursing home - the latest milestone for the long-awaited project.
The building will be located to the west of St. Joseph's Hospital, across from Sister Roddy Road.
“I am pleased to see the approval of this key step for the new Estevan Long-Term Care Home so we can move forward with this important project for the community,” said Tim McLeod, the minister for Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health. “Our government is investing in health infrastructure, and keeping our commitment, to improve access to the care residents need closer to home.”
The new facility will replace the current Estevan Regional Nursing Home and will feature 129 new long-term care beds. It will address growing community needs as identified in the business case completed in 2023. The new home will be designed to accommodate future demographics shift, clinical requirements and evolving health-care demands.
"Our government is pleased to announce the site and scope of the Estevan Long-Term Care Home," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jenson said. "This modern and leading-edge health-care facility will enhance the quality of life for seniors while creating lasting benefits for the Estevan community."
Once built, the New Long-Term Care Home will be owned and operated by the SHA. The provincial government says the new facility will meet stringent standards for accessibility, safety and comfort, ultimately benefiting residents and their families by providing care closer to home in a purpose-built environment.
"Our government is committed to supporting high-quality long-term care services across the province, and the new Estevan Long-Term Care Home is a part of that commitment," Estevan MLA Lori Carr said. "This facility will offer an increase in the number of beds and help ensure seniors in Estevan and surrounding area receive care in an environment that is supportive and tailored to their needs."
"We are thrilled that the nursing home continues to move toward fruition," Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig said in the news release. "We work collaboratively with the provincial government to ensure our community enjoys the benefits it deserves for our long-serving citizens."
"Keeping residents closer to home by investing in revitalizing our infrastructure, specifically in long-term care homes like the one in Estevan, will ensure residents stay connected to their families and their communities, contributing to a better quality of life," said Brenda Schwann, the SHA vice-president of integrated rural health.
SaskToday and the Mercury will have more on this story.
