The provincial government is moving on the the next phase of a development project for a new long-term care home in Watson.
The province announced on Friday they were seeking a qualified project manager and owner’s representative team to provide project management and design services for the future Watson Long-Term Care Home.
“Thanks to a strong and growing economy we are a step closer to the construction and ultimately the completion of the new home, providing quality health care to the people of Saskatchewan,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jensen said in a press release. “We are excited to see the Watson Long-Term Care Home moving on to the next phase.”
The government is searching for a candidate who will provide comprehensive design and design compliance services for the Watson Long-Term Care Home throughout the pre-design, procurement, design, construction and close-out phases.
The new home will be located on a greenfield site north of the Watson Community Health Center and will include a new 60 bed facility. Watson is located roughly 53 minutes south of Melfort.
“It means so much to residents in long-term care to remain as close to their home communities and loved ones as possible while receiving the care they need,” said Dr. Johann Roodt, the SHA Physician Executive for Integrated Rural Health. “Moving to this new phase means we are one step closer to offering more long-term care spaces for those needing additional supports in the Watson area.”
As the need for long-term care services continues to increase in the Province of Saskatchewan, the Watson Long-Term Care Home project is part of the overall Government commitment to deliver improved long-term care facilities and services across the province.
Melfort MLA Todd Coudy said moving the project forward means that residents will be able to receive care closer to home in an environment that better meets their diverse health needs.
“We are very pleased to see the Watson Long-Term Care Home project moving into the pre-design phase,” Goudy said in a press release. “We look forward to further updates and to the eventual opening of this facility to serve the people of Watson and surrounding communities.”
The 2024-25 Provincial Budget earmarked $1.5 million to advance the Watson LTC project, as part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s record $4.4 billion capital plan.
