Saskatchewan Launches First Wellness Centre Alongside Urgent Care

A significant development in healthcare is set to take place in Saskatchewan this fall with the opening of the province’s first wellness centre, located at the former Pleasant Hill School in Saskatoon. This centre, which will feature advanced medical imaging technology, will operate alongside the city’s inaugural urgent care facility, enhancing healthcare access for local residents.

According to Jay Ahenakew Funk, CEO of Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, the wellness centre will house a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, along with ultrasound and CT scan equipment. “In that imaging clinic, we have state of the art, the most newest equipment Canon has in Saskatchewan,” Funk stated. Additionally, the facility will include a pharmacy, further expanding its services to the community.

Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, which owns the land, is collaborating with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) to recruit staff for the wellness centre. Positions available include X-ray technicians, mental health and addiction counsellors, and roles within an elder’s program. Funk emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It’s well needed. And being from the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and representing our people, I think it’s important that the province and us as First Nations come together.”

Collaboration for Improved Patient Outcomes

The proximity of the wellness centre to the urgent care facility is expected to foster enhanced collaboration between the two healthcare teams. Funk noted, “With the wellness centre, I think making sure that the programs go hand-in-hand with the urgent care, and then obviously we can help each other out.” This integrated approach aims to streamline patient care and improve overall health outcomes in the region.

In addition to the healthcare services, the facility will feature a 150-stall parkade to address parking needs in the area, which are currently a concern for local residents. The urgent care facility is already 70 percent complete, with both it and the wellness centre projected to open in early 2027.

This ambitious project, with a total budget of $50 million, aims to alleviate wait times in Saskatchewan by providing access to advanced medical equipment typically found only in hospitals. The launch of this wellness centre represents a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility and quality for the province’s residents.

As the community anticipates the opening of both facilities, the potential impact of this initiative on patient care and health services in Saskatchewan continues to capture attention. With advanced technology and a focus on collaboration, the wellness centre is poised to make a lasting difference in the region’s healthcare landscape.