Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority invites everyone for tours of new hostel
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) is proud to announce the opening of the new hostel, Jeremiah McKay Kabayshewekamik.
SLFNHA began moving clients into the new hostel on February 14, 2011 and over the next few weeks the transition process will continue, moving clients and staff into the facility. During the transition process, the linking corridor to the hospital is still under construction. During this time, food services are being provided at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC). When the linking corridor is complete, staff can begin serving all three meals in the dining area at the hostel. An after-hours domestic kitchen is already onsite, providing clients with the opportunity to make tea or coffee, store or cook traditional foods from home and prepare snacks.
The new two-storey, 38,000+ sq. ft. facility holds 100 beds in 56 rooms, including two family suites, 42 double rooms and 16 single rooms. Each guestroom has cable TV, a telephone, a private bathroom and a card-key lock to ensure a secure environment for all rooms.
The new facility has several features including two elevators, wheelchair accessibility, a family lounge, a communications lounge for accessing the internet and a children’s play area where the Activity Coordinator will host activities for kids during the weekdays. SLFNHA expects the family-friendly accommodations to be especially welcoming for maternity patients and other long-term care patients.
As in the past, SLFNHA will continue to support and advocate for First Nations clients traveling to Sioux Lookout for healthcare at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, as well as those on their way to specialist appointments, such as in Winnipeg or Thunder Bay. The majority of clients who travel to Sioux Lookout for healthcare are from the 31 northern communities in the Sioux Lookout area.
SLFNHA will be growing in staff to serve the clients in this new hostel. There are 18 new positions, in addition to 10 part-time staff, which means the staff serving clients at the hostel will grow from 40 to 68. Of the new positions, there are housekeeping, laundry, dietary and security staff working around the clock to ensure a clean and hospitable environment.
With the doors opening to the public, the SLFNHA and hostel staff invite the public to an Open House during the week of March 14 to 18, 2011, coinciding with March break and the Northern First Nations Hockey Tournament.
While many attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in September, the Open House is a chance to tour the finished facility in a casual manner. Join us for coffee and refreshments and explore the new state-of-the-art building.
There will be a cake cutting with MP Greg Rickford, Mayor Dennis Leney and Health Canada’s Mike Lovett on Friday, March 18 at 3 p.m. for those who wish to come out for cake and tours.