Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen says there will soon be more announcements on improved efficiencies in the health care system. Earlier this year, he asked regional health authorities to look for ways they could trim their budgets by three percent. Goertzen adds the plans have been reviewed and will soon lead to action.

"I think you'll see more announcements before the end of the month or early into July in terms of some more changes that will be happening within the structure of the health care not just find efficiencies, but to ensure the system is working in a way that patients are getting good care, better outcomes and getting the right care at the right time and in the right place." 

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen

Goertzen also says, while the budget for RHA's this year was maintained or increased a little, it's still important for them to continue finding efficiencies to keep health care costs from getting out of control.

"It is important because the cost of health care increases each and every year. If you aren't looking for those efficiencies internally, even if you are getting an increase in your budget, it makes it challenging. And, frankly, that is just something that should happen anyway because, generally, when you're finding efficiencies in health care, you're also providing better care. When things are operating in a more efficient way, you're typically getting better results for patients."

Goertzen notes he has done the same in his own office. He explains, when he took office, there were nine special assistants to the Health Minister and he has reduced that to one.