Swift Current Long Term Care Centre Project

operational

Opportunity The Cypress Regional Health Authority owned 30 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the regional hospital. Developing a new, much needed long-term care facility on 15 acres of this site in proximity to the existing hospital will create operational efficiencies. A public-private partnership was selected in part because it would allow the project to proceed under an ambitious timeline. Innovations Residents, families and staff were involved in the early stages of the design to ensure that the facility will create a home-like environment for the residents and be suitable for resident and family-centred care. The input was incorporated into the design specifications and provided to proponent teams during the competitive selection process. In December 2013, SaskBuilds and Cypress Health Region hosted a business-to-business networking event in Swift Current to introduce local businesses to the short-listed proponents. More than 40 local business owners and representatives used the opportunity to familiarize the proponent teams with local services available. The Operating Period Joint Committee—comprising Cypress Health Region, Plenary Health and SaskBuilds—will meet monthly over the operating period to review performance over the life of the contract. Results The new facility provides 225 long-term care beds housed in 21 10-bed houses, and one 15-bed house, promoting a home-like environment for residents. Access to natural light and the outdoors were important design considerations and residents will enjoy large windows with interesting views of garden space. The single-level, semi-circular design was developed with shorter corridors and fewer corners to optimize wheelchair access and increase staff efficiency. Smart technology is incorporated throughout the facility including through the use of handheld communication devices, charting tablets, resident wandering prevention systems, and ceiling lifts in every room. The project is the first in the healthcare sector to be delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan using the P3 approach. The facility includes an adult day care centre, a services centre, and a link to the hospital. It replaces three older facilities: Swift Current Care Centre, Prairie Pioneers Lodge, and Palliser Regional Care Centre. The region will maintain full ownership of the facility and will operate all aspects of the direct care provided within the facility.  Existing health region staff will provide services for residents and maintain the provincial standards and guidelines that have been set for long-term care programs and services within the province. The long-term care facility is situated in close proximity to schools and the City’s recreation facilities, including a leisure aquatic centre and an indoor field house, providing residents with exceptional educational, recreational and programming opportunities. Using a P3 model is saving more than 13 per cent compared with traditional procurement. “For those individuals that require the highest levels of care, it is really exciting to see this world-class facility coming to our region. Municipalities all have so much on our plates with our own infrastructure needs and confirming the 20 per cent local share takes a lot of hard work and a positive vision for the residents of our region over the long term.  I’m really proud of the way municipalities are standing shoulder-to-shoulder and look forward to reaching to others to finalize the local share.” - Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer

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