Saskatchewan Unveils First Wellness Centre to Enhance Patient Care

A new wellness centre in Saskatoon is set to make history as Saskatchewan’s first facility of its kind. Located at the former Pleasant Hill School on 20th Street, which closed in 2023, the centre is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2027. It will be adjacent to the city’s first urgent care centre and is designed to improve patient care across the region.

The wellness centre will feature state-of-the-art medical equipment, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Jay Ahenakew Funk, CEO of Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, expressed enthusiasm about the advanced technology, stating, “In that imaging clinic, we have state of the art, the most newest equipment Canon has in Saskatchewan.” The facility will also offer ultrasound and CT scans, along with an on-site pharmacy.

Funk emphasized the collaboration involved in running the wellness centre, noting a partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) to staff the facility. The centre will create job opportunities for X-ray technicians, mental health and addiction counsellors, and will include an elder’s program. “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 and put something together that’s going to be rewarding for everyone,” Funk added.

Having the wellness centre located next to the urgent care facility is expected to enhance teamwork between the two medical teams. Funk pointed out that the proximity will facilitate better communication and collaboration, stating, “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. So, it’s crucial, actually. It’s an important step, being close to urgent care.”

The project includes a 150-stall parkade, addressing parking needs in the area. Currently, the urgent care facility is at approximately 70 percent completion, with both it and the wellness centre projected to begin operations in early 2027. The total investment for this initiative is reported to be around $50 million, aimed at reducing wait times in Saskatchewan by providing equipment typically available only in hospitals.

This development marks a significant step forward in healthcare for the region, as it combines advanced imaging technology with urgent care services, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of Saskatchewan residents. As the opening date approaches, more details about the specific programs and services will be revealed, promising to enhance healthcare access and quality in the community.