The New Estevan Regional Nursing Home has been busy during the last few years raising $8 million in order to start the process of building a new, updated nursing home for the residents of southeast Saskatchewan. After fulfilling their requirement, the committee turned to the provincial government for approval and the go ahead. So far, no approval has been given. 

When reached for comment, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health released the following statement:

"The Ministry of Health recognizes that the New Estevan Regional Nursing Home replacement project is a high priority for the community of Estevan." 

"The Saskatchewan Health Authority (the Authority) identifies capital replacement needs or major infrastructure upgrades, and submits proposals to the Ministry of Health." 

"The Ministry evaluates and prioritizes all capital proposals from across the province.  Approval for major capital projects depends on funding availability. Consideration of major projects occurs each year as part of the Province’s annual budget development process."

 "At this time, the Ministry has not approved any planning for this project. We want to take this opportunity to commend and thank the Estevan Regional Nursing Home Committee for all its efforts in raising significant funds towards this project. We encourage the Committee and community to continue working with the Authority towards this potential capital project."

The Affinity Credit Union recently donated  $50,000 to go towards a palliative care, hospice room for the nursing home. It is their hope that this project will receive the government's approval and work can begin soon.