Fall 2014 Employee Benefits Newsletter

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Fall 2014 Employee Benefits Newsletter

December 1, 2014

This newsletter contains items of interest for members of the 3sHealth employee benefits plan.

2014_EBP_Fall_Newsletter_web.pdf

Maximum reimbursement schedules for dental plans now available

March 6, 2019 - Find out more about the maximum amounts you can claim under the Core Dental and Enhanced Dental care plans. READ MORE »

Keep your beneficiary information up to date

March 6, 2019 - Designating a life insurance beneficiary is important, as it ensures your loved ones are taken care of. Life insurance can be paid directly to your named beneficiary within a few weeks of your death. Your loved ones do not have to wait for your estate to be settled. READ MORE »

Integrated health system leads to better insurance coverage

February 27, 2019 - By working collaboratively, the Saskatchewan health system has negotiated a single insurance contract that covers facilities and organizations for liability, damage to property, and other types of loss. READ MORE »

Rehabilitation services help employees bounce back from illness or injury

February 27, 2019 - Did you know the disability income plans provide a number of rehabilitation services? READ MORE »

Survivor benefits help ensure the financial security of your loved ones

February 27, 2019 - Learn more about protecting the financial security of your loved ones. READ MORE »

Electronic T4s now available

February 14, 2019 - You can find your 2018 T4 in Gateway Online starting on... READ MORE »

3sHealth wins 2019 top employer award

February 13, 2019 - For the third year in a row, 3sHealth has been recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers. READ MORE »

Health system to fully transition to electronic T4s this February

January 24, 2019 - In 2019, the health system is transitioning entirely to electronic T4 statements for the 2018 tax year. READ MORE »

New fitted slider sheets make it safer and easier to move patients

January 22, 2019 - The provincial linen service has introduced a new product, known as fitted slider sheets, to sites all across the province. The sheets make it much easier and safer to move patients in and out of beds. READ MORE »

2019 claims freeze is over

January 21, 2019 - The 2019 benefits claims freeze is over and plan members can once again submit claims online and use their drug card for prescriptions. READ MORE »

Backlog of payroll tickets has been greatly reduced

January 9, 2019 - Since April 2018, the Provincial Payroll and Scheduling Services (PPSS) team at 3sHealth has collaborated with health system partners to resolve a backlog of outstanding service requests. This will improve service to employees across the health system, most notably the Saskatchewan Health Authority. READ MORE »

Many routine vaccines now covered by the employee benefit plans

January 9, 2019 - Effective January 1, 2019, many routine vaccines that guard against many common diseases and illnesses such as the human papilloma virus (HPV), meningitis, shingles, pneumonia, and cholera are covered by the employee benefit plans. READ MORE »

Psychology/social work maximums increasing

January 9, 2019 - Psychology/social work have increased from a combined maximum of $400 per insured person per calendar year to a combined maximum of $1,000 per insured person per calendar year. READ MORE »

2019 claims freeze

January 8, 2019 - Important update regarding the annual measure. READ MORE »

Pediatric patients will benefit from new peritoneal dialysis equipment

December 13, 2018 - By working together, the Saskatchewan health system has secured a new kind of peritoneal dialysis treatment that is better for pediatric patients. READ MORE »

Plan members are now covered for continuous blood glucose monitors

December 13, 2018 - Effective January 1, 2019, continuous blood glucose monitors are accessible under the benefit plan along with the previously added blood glucose monitors and flash glucose monitors. READ MORE »

AIMS Project recruiting additional positions through an Expression of Interest

December 6, 2018 - The initial discovery or ‘Imagine’ phase of the project is anticipated to reach completion in early 2019, which requires the recruitment of further individuals who wish to contribute to the next phases of this exciting initiative. READ MORE »

2018 Disability Income Plan contribution rate decrease

November 30, 2018 - 3sHealth is pleased to report that the contribution rates for the four disability income plans were reduced effective August 1, 2018. READ MORE »

Transition team presented with Premier's Award for Excellence

November 29, 2018 - The team of health-care professionals who put together the plan for restructuring the health-care system in Saskatchewan has been honoured by the Premier of Saskatchewan. READ MORE »

Results from the AIMS project human resources survey

November 28, 2018 - In September, staff were invited to participate in an online survey to gather their thoughts on Gateway Online and scheduling services. Check out this summary of the survey results. READ MORE »

AIMS project status report

November 9, 2018 - Workshops have been the focus of activity for AIMS project team members. READ MORE »

The people behind the AIMS project

November 8, 2018 - The AIMS Project brings terms to mind like processes, practices and policies, but that’s not the primary focus. AIMS is about people and creating tools to make their work easier. READ MORE »

Tell us what you think

October 26, 2018 - If you get workplace benefits from 3sHealth, we want to hear from you. READ MORE »

Getting started and the AIMS Imagine Phase

October 20, 2018 - Participants from across the province will be asked to share their experiences, and also envision a future state that will provide the necessary tools to create a better experience for employers, employees, patients, clients, residents and families. READ MORE »

Meeting the ever-growing demand for linen services

October 11, 2018 - Learn more about some of the major operational successes in 2017-18 within the provincial linen service. READ MORE »

Welcoming the AIMS project team

October 11, 2018 - Over the past few months, team members have been recruited to the Administrative Information Management System (AIMS) project to begin the important task of creating one cohesive provincial management system. Here is the full list of project team members. READ MORE »

3sHealth commended for its provincial contracting processes

October 4, 2018 - The clinician engagement and product testing processes of 3sHealth were cited in a recent Conference Board of Canada report as exemplary practices, alongside those of a select number of other shared services organizations. READ MORE »

Emphasizing quality over cost savings

October 4, 2018 - One of many characteristics of the provincial contracting approach. READ MORE »

Putting bad linens to good use

October 4, 2018 - They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. It’s a familiar adage that is very much evident in the provincial linen service and in the community organizations it works with. READ MORE »

AIMS project launching this October

September 28, 2018 - Starting October 1, 2018, health organizations across the province will begin a project to implement a new and integrated administrative information management system throughout the health sector. READ MORE »

When to discard clean scrubs due to ink and dye stains

September 24, 2018 - Find out what the new rules are and learn more about how to prevent avoidable forms of staining. READ MORE »

‘I am most grateful’: a disability income claimant shares her story

September 6, 2018 - After undergoing a total knee replacement, the claimant says the support she has received from 3sHealth has helped her get through a very stressful and difficult period in life. READ MORE »

It’s National Payroll Week!

September 6, 2018 - It’s a time to recognize the important work of payroll professionals from coast to coast, including those at 3sHealth. READ MORE »

Right and on time

August 22, 2018 - Enhancements to the provincial payroll and staff scheduling systems are helping to ensure their long-term viability. READ MORE »

Plan members no longer have to pay for dependent life insurance

August 21, 2018 - Starting on September 1, 2018, dependent life insurance coverage will now be provided under basic life insurance for all plan members. Plan members will no longer need to opt in and pay for dependent life insurance coverage. READ MORE »

Register for the new-and-improved GroupNet for Plan Members

August 10, 2018 - If you are already a member of the site, you will have to re-register with a new username and password. READ MORE »

Supporting the caregivers of Saskatchewan

August 7, 2018 - 3sHealth helps health system employees access their benefits and administers the Disability Income Plan, which provides income support to health-system employees who can no longer work due to illness or injury. READ MORE »

3sHealth releases its 2017-18 Annual Report

July 30, 2018 - In 2017-18, 3sHealth continued to serve many vital needs of the Saskatchewan health-care system. READ MORE »

2017-18 Annual Report

July 30, 2018 - 3sHealth releases its 2017-18 Annual Report. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Annual-Report-2017-18.pdf

Who pays first: the province or your employee benefit plan?

July 18, 2018 - Extended health-care benefits help plan members and their families pay for medically necessary expenses that are not covered by the provincial plan. If there is government coverage available for a prescription drug, medical service, or supply that is also eligible under the Employee Benefit Plans, the government plan must always pay its portion first. READ MORE »

Benefit coverage during a leave of absence extended to...

July 18, 2018 - Learn more about this enhanced benefit. READ MORE »

Coming together to grow as a team and improve service for patients

July 18, 2018 - This past June our provincial team of medical transcriptionists came together to connect and collaborate on new ideas to improve the service READ MORE »

What happens to your benefits when you retire

June 28, 2018 - Find out what happens when you reach retirement age regarding your workplace benefits. READ MORE »

Verify your child's student status annually to maintain their health and dental coverage

June 28, 2018 - If your child is over the age of 21 and attending an accredited college or university, you must verify your child’s student status with 3sHealth every year. READ MORE »

GroupNet for Plan Members is getting a new look

June 12, 2018 - Great-West Life is releasing a new version of GroupNet for Plan Members this summer. The re-designed site will have more functionality for members to access, whether at home or on-the-go. READ MORE »

You might be eligible for a new blood glucose monitoring system

June 11, 2018 - Good news for people with insulin-dependent diabetes: a new kind of blood glucose monitoring system is now on the market. And thanks to a recent change in the 3sHealth employee benefit plans, the costs associated with this new system are now eligible for reimbursement. READ MORE »

Lost and found: the adventures of Peter Rabbit

June 6, 2018 - A treasured keepsake goes missing but doesn’t stay lost for long, thanks to the provincial linen service. READ MORE »

Updated commentaries now available on 3sHealth.ca

June 6, 2018 - The commentary booklets for Group Life, Extended Health Care and Enhanced Dental, and the Out-of-Scope Flexible Spending Plan were recently refreshed and updated. READ MORE »

3sHealth Shares continues to make a difference

May 23, 2018 - In 2017-18, 3sHealth continued to run our corporate social responsibility program called 3sHealth Shares. The program supports Canadian Blood Services and the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). READ MORE »

Fitted sheets that better fit the needs of patients and providers

May 23, 2018 - When it comes to hospital bed linens, you might not expect to hear health-care providers say, “I would use this on my bed at home!” But that’s exactly what many have been saying in recent months since 3sHealth and K-Bro began introducing a new kind of fitted sheet into the provincial linen inventory. READ MORE »

More info in patient care reports will help prevent errors and delays

April 20, 2018 - Physicians, nurse practitioners, and others who dictate care reports should say vital patient information at the start of their dictations. This extra step prevents errors and delays in the flow of patients’ information, which keeps patients safe. READ MORE »

Lint-resistant towels help improve safety for newborns and surgical patients

April 20, 2018 - In February 2018, the health system transitioned to a better kind of huck towel – one that is softer, more absorbent, and less prone to develop lint. Less lint in any surgical area is better for patients. READ MORE »

News Release: Transcription Issue Identified

March 9, 2018 - READ MORE »
2018-03-09-Transcription-Issue-Identified.pdf

New service transforms charting in Saskatchewan

March 6, 2018 - A new, standardized dictation and transcription service is helping clinicians with their patient charting. READ MORE »

PST will no longer be applied to life and health insurance premiums

March 6, 2018 - Effective February 26, 2018, life and health insurance premiums are no longer subject to six per cent PST. READ MORE »

Better, brighter lighting to improve patient safety

January 31, 2018 - In the past couple of years, modern lighting systems have been installed in three Saskatchewan healthcare facilities. Not only do the systems help save energy and money, they also help to enhance patient safety. READ MORE »

2018 claims freeze is over

January 29, 2018 - The 2018 benefits claims freeze is over and plan members can once again submit claims online and use their drug card for prescriptions. READ MORE »

3sHealth is a top Saskatchewan employer

January 24, 2018 - Once again, 3sHealth is one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2018. It’s 3sHealth's second win-in-a-row, which is a pretty significant feat for a relatively small organization. READ MORE »

You want to know (about your benefits) – part four

January 23, 2018 - You have questions about your benefits. We have answers. In part four of our four-part series, we look at coverage for retirees. READ MORE »

Your workplace benefits just got a bit better – part three

January 17, 2018 - Hearing tests are now eligible for reimbursement once every… READ MORE »

You want to know (about your benefits) – part three

January 17, 2018 - You have questions about your benefits. We have answers. In part three of our four-part series, we look at updating dependents. READ MORE »

Electronic T4s coming soon to Gateway Online

January 17, 2018 - It is tax time again! Even though it’s not everyone’s favourite time of year, there’s something special to look forward to this year. READ MORE »

2018 claims freeze on until Jan. 17

January 2, 2018 - During the annual measure process in January, plan members will experience a delay in claims processing by Great-West Life. READ MORE »

You want to know (about your benefits) – part two

January 2, 2018 - You have questions about your benefits. We have answers. In part two of our four-part series, we look at optional life insurance. READ MORE »

Your workplace benefits just got a bit better – part two

January 2, 2018 - Fluoride treatments are now eligible for reimbursement every… READ MORE »

You want to know (about your benefits) – part one

December 13, 2017 - You have questions about your benefits. We have answers. In part one of our four-part series, we look at massage therapy. Is it covered? If so, how much? READ MORE »

Your workplace benefits just got a bit better – part one

December 13, 2017 - Machines used to treat sleep apnea are now eligible for reimbursement once every... READ MORE »

Video tutorials show you how to access your benefits online

November 28, 2017 - If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is a video worth? Rather than explain how to access your benefits online, we thought it would be better to show you how it's done in video form instead. READ MORE »

Provincial contract pricing at your fingertips

November 17, 2017 - Sun Country Health Region and a key supplier to the provincial health system, Acklands Grainger, recently presented at a national supply chain conference. They showed how the provincial procurement system can be used to save both time and money. READ MORE »

Test News Item

November 13, 2017 - Test news item READ MORE »

VIDEO: Three years, 10,000 improvements

October 18, 2017 - Three years ago we started to look at continuous improvement in a new way. Watch our latest video to learn more! READ MORE »

PST on DIP contributions

October 17, 2017 - Provincial sales tax now applies to all Disability Income Plan contributions. This change affects all health system employers and employees who contribute to the plan. READ MORE »

EFAP helping employees achieve better personal health

September 19, 2017 - Thousands of healthcare employees are benefitting from the Employee and Family Assistance Program. READ MORE »

Customize your claim forms

September 19, 2017 - When you log in to the Great-West Life GroupNet for Plan Members website, you have the ability to print personalized claim forms that are pre-populated with your information. READ MORE »

'I can help you with that'

August 31, 2017 - We’ve taken steps to streamline service. Now it doesn’t matter if you’re calling us about your benefits or a disability claim. Generally, you’ll be able to talk to one person about either service. READ MORE »

Get access to your benefits 24/7

August 16, 2017 - Want to know if your dental claim is paid yet? Need to know if you’re eligible for glasses? Want to submit your massage claim while still in the office? There’s an app for that!
READ MORE »

Better, safer products

August 16, 2017 - 3sHealth works with health system partners to find high-quality products for patients and clinicians. Last year, we put in place a better process to support this work. Clinicians are now more engaged in the process. And contracts take less time to complete. READ MORE »

2016-17 Annual Report

August 1, 2017 - 3sHealth releases its 2016-17 Annual Report. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Annual-Report-2016-17.pdf

PST to be applied to insurance premiums

August 1, 2017 - The change takes effect August 1, 2017. READ MORE »

Are you or a dependent insured under more than one policy?

August 1, 2017 - Find out more about eligible expenses and the order of submitting claims. READ MORE »

Learn more about your dental coverage

July 5, 2017 - Find out the maximum reimbursement amounts for various dental procedures by consulting the appropriate schedule. READ MORE »

Faster processing time = better customer service

July 3, 2017 - We are letting retirees know their benefit plan options in much less time. What used to take five days, now takes just one! READ MORE »

Read the spring edition of the NISS newsletter

June 28, 2017 - Nursing Information System Saskatchewan (NISS) is a patient information system. It is used in acute care, long term care and home care settings across Saskatchewan as well as Ontario, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. READ MORE »
2017.06_NISS_News.pdf

Did you move recently?

June 5, 2017 - You can now update your address with Great-West Life directly on the GroupNet for Plan Members website. READ MORE »

Use your vision care maximum for laser eye surgery

June 5, 2017 - Did you know that as an employee benefit plan member that you can now chose to use your vision care maximum towards laser eye surgery? READ MORE »

Learn more about the provincial contracting process

April 18, 2017 - Have you ever wondered how the provincial contracting process works? Well, wonder no more! Just watch this short video for an unofficial crash course on how it all works and why it’s so important to the health system and enhancing patient care. READ MORE »

3sHealth is a top employer!

April 12, 2017 - 3sHealth has been named one of Saskatchewan's top employers for 2017 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which organizes the annual Canada's Top 100 Employers project. It's a big honour for a small organization that has achieved so much in just five short years. READ MORE »

VIDEO: 'Fast results and no waits'

April 7, 2017 - A patient in Regina and a family physician in Unity talk about the benefits of a provincial transcription service. READ MORE »

A provincial transcription service means better care for patients

March 31, 2017 - One year ago the idea of a single provincial dictation and transcription service was nothing more than that, an idea. But over the past 12 months, health organizations worked together to establish a service that better meets the needs of patients and providers. READ MORE »

New voice recognition technology for provincial radiology departments

March 31, 2017 - This spring, radiologists will start using a standard voice recognition technology called PowerScribe 360 to dictate, edit and approve diagnostic reports in one easy step. Reports then go into a patient’s electronic health record in much less time. For providers, having the right information as quickly as possible means better patient care. READ MORE »

‘I want to make it easier for other people’: a patient and family advisor tells her story

March 31, 2017 - Colleen Bryant studied microbiology in university, worked as a transcriptionist, and was employed for years as an IT professional. In recent years, Colleen became a patient and family advisor out of a desire to help others and contribute positively to sustainable improvements in the delivery of healthcare services. READ MORE »

The latest NISS newsletter is here

February 14, 2017 - Nursing Information System Saskatchewan (NISS) is a patient information system. It is used in acute care, long term care and home care settings across Saskatchewan as well as Ontario, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories.The February 2017 issue of the NISS newsletter contains important information about updates to forms and other information of interest to program users. READ MORE »
2017.02_NISS_News.pdf

Every improvement – big or small – matters

February 10, 2017 - Bi-annual review with eHealth and the Ministry of Health hosted by 3sHealth. READ MORE »

Customer service is priority number one

February 7, 2017 - For the benefits services officers, delivering exceptional service to plan members is priority number one and is expressed in the department’s vision: we take care of the caregivers. So when they see an opportunity to improve the customer experience they find a way to make it happen. READ MORE »

Giving new mothers peace of mind

January 18, 2017 - A new contract brokered for Saskatchewan by 3sHealth and partners within the healthcare sector will provide extra support to relieve some of the many stressors that accompany the joy of bringing a new little person into the world. READ MORE »

Thousands of patients are benefitting from new smart pump technology

December 30, 2016 - The Saskatchewan health system replaced thousands of old bedside pumps this year with new, state-of-the-art smart infusion pumps. By making the switch, the system is significantly improving patients’ safety and saving millions of dollars in the process. READ MORE »

Health shared services saves system millions

November 24, 2016 - Ever-increasing quality at an ever-decreasing price: this is the benefit a health shared service organization brings to the province. READ MORE »

Improving voice recognition technology in medical laboratory services

November 16, 2016 - Earlier this year, the health system piloted Fluency Direct voice recognition technology to medical laboratory services personnel in the Prince Albert Parkland and Regina Qu’Appelle health regions. READ MORE »

Two-thirds of medical reports being transcribed in 24 hours or less

November 16, 2016 - Healthcare providers need quick and easy access to accurate patient information. And now, because of the provincial transcription service, physicians and other clinicians are getting that sort of information in much less time. READ MORE »

Fall 2016 Employee Benefits Newsletter

November 7, 2016 - The Fall 2016 Employee Benefits newsletter contains information on the disability management claim application process, how to use Member eClaims, the high price of fraud, out-of-country travel, benefit plan enhancements, and an update on the Better U Challenge. READ MORE »
2016-EBP-Fall-Newsletter-web.pdf

Employee benefits hosts education days for employers

November 7, 2016 - Participants at a recent educational session learn first-hand how to support healthcare workers. READ MORE »

Clean, Safe Laundry: It starts with you

October 21, 2016 - Each day, over 70,000 lbs of linen is used across the province and sent back to the K-Bro Linen processing plant in Regina. READ MORE »
2016-10-21-Linen-update.pdf

Transcription service gets thumbs up

October 11, 2016 - We caught up with two transcriptionists and two physicians in Heartland to find out what the transition to the provincial service has been like and how it has been working for them as care providers. Here is what they had to say! READ MORE »

Process improvement saves one health region $27,000

October 6, 2016 - Better Together has a nice ring to it, but it also has a significant impact to the bottom line for Saskatchewan health system. READ MORE »

Surplus equipment sale and potluck lunch gives STARS fundraiser a boost

September 28, 2016 - Since the 3sHealth Shares program launched this past June, employees have generously raised more than $2,600 for STARS Air Ambulance service, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing a safe, rapid, highly specialized emergency medical transport system for the critically ill and injured. READ MORE »

Faster reports and less backlog in the provincial transcription service

September 28, 2016 - Now that three health regions – Sun Country, Prairie North and Heartland – are on the new provincial transcription service, more and more acute care medical reports are being turned around in 24 hours or less. And the backlog of patient care reports to be transcribed is also diminishing week after week. READ MORE »

The Better U Challenge is over and the winners are...

September 9, 2016 - Now that the challenge has officially wrapped up, we’re very excited to announce this year’s grand prize winners. READ MORE »

Vocational rehabilitation: how does it work

September 8, 2016 - Vocational rehabilitation, or return to work planning, is a service the 3sHealth Disability Income Plan provides to help people navigate the difficult process of returning to work after an injury or illness. Learn more about this valuable service and how it works. READ MORE »

VIP treatment makes participants feel like a star

September 8, 2016 - This is part two of a three-part feature on the new 3sHealth Shares program aimed at building a corporate social responsibility presence at 3sHealth. READ MORE »

From no pumps to smart pumps

August 25, 2016 - How three health organizations – Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, Mamawetan Churchill River and 3sHealth – partnered with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Health Services to implement a better intravenous pump that will enhance the quality of care. READ MORE »

Unsafe medication doses caught just in time

August 24, 2016 - Thanks to smart pump technology, more than 4,400 infusions initially programmed outside of safe dosing limits were detected and corrected, preventing patients' harm. READ MORE »

Smart pumps to be rolled out to Saskatchewan Polytechnic

August 19, 2016 - Nursing, paramedic and health sciences students will have the opportunity beginning this fall to use the new Hospira 360 smart IV pumps, the same model of smart IV pump currently being rolled out to the provincial healthcare system. READ MORE »

The abundant rewards from helping in the community

August 15, 2016 - 3sHealth Shares is not just a catchy slogan, it’s actually a true statement. The people at 3sHealth take pride in sharing their time and resources to help the community. The 3sHealth Shares program was launched in June and is driven by dedicated staff members.
READ MORE »

“It would be fantastic if this went faster” – Alana Shearer-Kleefeld

August 15, 2016 - Chronic pain over the past year has had an impact on Alana Shearer-Kleefeld’s quality of life and ability to simply move. As part of the Better U Challenge, Shearer-Kleefeld, manager of Employee Benefits Administration at 3sHealth, will share her story as she endeavours to reverse the impact of months of inactivity. READ MORE »

The 'benefit' of good detective work

August 9, 2016 - Finely honed detective skill is not something you would normally associate with 3sHealth Benefits Administration. But there are times when the folks in Benefits Administration take on the role of Sherlock Holmes or Sam Spade to tracking people down even though they have little or no information. READ MORE »

Provincial Linen Service Broadsheet - July 28, 2016

July 28, 2016 - Standardization of all linen, including operating room (OR) or surgical linen, is a critical component of Saskatchewan’s linen service strategy. It supports the province’s commitment to a health system that puts patients first. READ MORE »
2016-07-28-Broadsheet-Linen.pdf

Medication cup labelling error caught before any harm could come to patients

July 28, 2016 - After spotting a significant product issue, an enterprising employee sounded the alarm. Swift actions were then taken, actions that undoubtedly helped reduce a patient safety risk. READ MORE »

2015-16 Annual Report

July 27, 2016 - 3sHealth releases its 2015-16 Annual Report. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Annual-Report-2015-16.pdf

Adding a fun challenge to the summer

July 14, 2016 - “As part of the Better U Challenge, the employee benefits team would like to challenge the 3sHealth senior leadership team to a step competition,” she said. “The loser has to prepare and serve lunch to the winners.” READ MORE »
2016-06-17-Alana story part 3.pdf

Better U Challenge – What’s in it for you?

July 11, 2016 - The first answer to this question might be some pretty awesome prizes but the dividends for healthcare workers across Saskatchewan could be even greater, longer lasting and more impactful than a FitBit or a Bowflex, says Alana Shearer-Kleefeld, manager of employee benefits administration at 3sHealth. READ MORE »
2016-07-08-Better-U-Challenge-Whats-in-it-for-you.pdf

Mail service disruption on the horizon

July 5, 2016 - Today, we learned Canada Post has served lock out notice effective Friday, July 8th. While talks are continuing and news reports suggest there could be a resolution, 3sHealth is proactively planning for a disruption to traditional mail service. READ MORE »
2016-07-05-Canada-Post-service-disruption-update.pdf

3sHealth Summer 2016 Report Card

July 4, 2016 - The 3sHealth Summer 2016 Report card contains information on how to fund transformational change, a provincially delivered transcription service, provincial contracting for healthcare, the provincial linen service line, enhanced employee benefits coverage for plan members and the new 3sHealth Shares program. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Report-Card-Summer-2016.pdf

Mistake proofing

June 28, 2016 - Teams reported on projects at a special event - congratulations on your great successes! READ MORE »
2016-06-23-Mistake-proofing.pdf

Canada Post service disruption

June 28, 2016 - In the event of a Canada Post service disruption, watch for information e-mails or courier deliveries of cheques or forms from 3sHealth. READ MORE »
2016-06-28-Canada-Post-service-disruption.pdf

Closing the gap in provincial contracting

June 24, 2016 - A team of health care professionals gathered with 3sHealth to focus on reducing defects in clinical engagement and reducing lead time in provincial contracting processes. READ MORE »

Andrew Will honoured with Executive Communicator of the Year Award

June 24, 2016 - Andrew Will, CEO of 3sHealth, was handed the trophy for Executive Communicator of the Year on June 10 at an event hosted by the Regina chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). READ MORE »

A vision for being better together

June 22, 2016 - This month, 3sHealth launched a new program aimed at building partnerships within the health sector and giving back to the community. READ MORE »
2016-06-22-A-vision-for-being-better-together.pdf

3sHealth enhanced employee benefits coverage offers plan members new opportunities to improve their health

June 22, 2016 - These new enhancements are provided to plan members at no additional cost. READ MORE »
2016-06-22-3sHealth-enhanced-employee-benefits-coverage-offers-plan-members-new-opportunities-to-improve-their-health.pdf

"Better Together" is at the core or provincial contracting for healthcare

June 22, 2016 - Over the last five years, a collaborative approach to provincial contracting for Saskatchewan's healthcare system has saved more than $97 million. READ MORE »
2016-06-22-Better-together-is-at-the-core-of-provincial-contracting-for-healthcare.pdf

Fresh thinking means timelier, more accurate medical reports

June 22, 2016 - Patients to reap the rewards of a provincially delivered transcription service. READ MORE »
2016-06-22-Fresh-thinking-means-timelier-more-accurate-medical-reports.pdf

Provincial linen transformation now complete

June 22, 2016 - It's been a truly collaborative effort and the effects have been significant. READ MORE »
2016-06-22-Provincial-linen-transformation-now-complete.pdf

In challenging financial times, how do we fund transformational change?

June 22, 2016 - Learn more about how creative funding options are positioning the health system for future success in regard to expanded share services. READ MORE »
2016-06-22-In-challenging-financial-times-how-do-we-fund-transformational-change.pdf

Making progress in baby steps

June 21, 2016 - Chronic pain over the past year has had an impact on Alana Shearer-Kleefeld’s quality of life and ability to simply move. As part of the Better U Challenge, Shearer-Kleefeld, manager of Employee Benefits Administration at 3sHealth, will share her story as she endeavours to reverse the impact of months of inactivity. READ MORE »
2016-06-17-Making-progress-in-baby-steps.pdf

Andrew Will honoured with Executive Communicator of the Year Award

June 20, 2016 - Andrew Will, CEO of 3sHealth, was handed the trophy for Executive Communicator of the Year Friday night at an event hosted by the Regina chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). READ MORE »
2016-06-20-Andrew-Will-honoured-with-Executive-Communicator-of-the-Year-Award.pdf

Saying goodbye to diabetes and hello to quality of life

June 14, 2016 - Debbie Deausy is beating diabetes and high blood pressure using two simple tools – an exercise bike and the Canada Food Guide. Her journey started more than two years ago when she made a personal commitment to start losing weight. Since then, she’s dropped 150 pounds and now shops anywhere she pleases for a size 8 versus going to specialty shops where she looked for a size 26. READ MORE »
2016-06-14-Say-goodbye-to-diabetes.pdf

Customer feedback guides action plan for linen service improvements

June 13, 2016 - Seeking feedback from customers, 3sHealth conducted a customer satisfaction survey for the new provincial linen service in February 2016. “We sought input from a wide cross-section of healthcare linen customers,” says Jim Crawford, Director of Provincial Linen Service for 3sHealth. “We wanted to know what patients, residents, family members, as well as professional care providers and other healthcare facility staff thought about the new service.” READ MORE »
2016-06-14-Customer-feedback-guides-linen-action-plan.pdf

Provincial Linen Service Broadsheet - June 9, 2016

June 9, 2016 - This edition of the Broadsheet contains information on items in the provincial standard inventory including long term care towels, bedspreads, and clothing protectors. READ MORE »
2016-06-09-Broadsheet-Linen-Update.pdf

“My hips don’t lie”

June 8, 2016 - Chronic pain over the past year has had an impact on Alana Shearer-Kleefeld’s quality of life and ability to simply move. As part of the Better U Challenge, Shearer-Kleefeld, manager of Employee Benefits Administration at 3sHealth, will share her story as she endeavours to reverse the impact of months of inactivity. Keep coming back to visit us here or on Facebook to learn about her progress. READ MORE »
2016-06-08-My-Hips-Don't-Lie.pdf

3sHealth Employee Benefits 2016 Members Annual Statement Newsletter

June 6, 2016 - The 2016 Members Annual Statement Newsletter was mailed at the end of May with member's individual annual statements. The newsletter contains information on new enhancements to the extended health and dental plan, the Better U Challenge, health case management and the enhanced disability program. READ MORE »
2016-June-EBP-MembersAnnual-Statement-WEB.pdf

Enter the Better U Challenge: Get, Be, Live, Stay, Healthy!

June 1, 2016 - Setting wellness goals is personal to each one of us. And it is not easy. But maintaining personal health is a far easier task than dealing with a prolonged illness. 3sHealth wants to help its Employee Benefits Plan members achieve their wellness goals with our Better U Challenge. From June 1 to August 31, 2016, plan members can work towards their wellness goals and be entered to win fabulous prizes! READ MORE »
2016-06-01-Better-U-Challenge.pdf

Enhancing transcription services in Prairie North

May 31, 2016 - Thanks to new technologies that were successfully rolled out in Prairie North Health Region, medical reports and studies will be more accurate and available for distribution in less time. It all adds up to better patient care. READ MORE »
2016-05-31-Enhancing-transcription-services-in-Prairie-North.pdf

Provincial Linen Service Broadsheet - May 24 2016

May 24, 2016 - This edition of the Provincial Linen Service Broadsheet contains information on the Black Mesh Bag Program to ensure quality of linen inventory items. READ MORE »
2016-05-24-Broadsheet-Linen-Update.pdf

Provincial linen now a 3sHealth service line

May 12, 2016 - Saskatchewan now has a provincial linen service. It took three years from concept to reality but effective Feb. 29, every health region in the province along with the cancer agency became part of one streamlined linen service. READ MORE »
2016-05-12-Provincial-linen-now-a-service-line.pdf

Engaging with physicians on provincial transcription services

May 12, 2016 - We were so pleased to have the opportunity to engage with physicians firsthand at the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Representative Assembly on May 6 and 7. READ MORE »
2016-05-12-Engaging-with-physicians-on-provincial-transcription-services.pdf

Provincial Linen Service Broadsheet - May 10, 2016

May 10, 2016 - This edition of the "Broadsheet" has information about a recent meeting of regional linen leaders, infection prevention and control, and the New Safety Alert notifications. READ MORE »
2016-05-10-Broadsheet-Linen-Update.pdf

A new and improved transcription service in Sun Country

April 15, 2016 - New software to support acute care dictation and transcription work has been successfully implemented throughout the Sun Country Health Region. The region is the first one in the province to have fully transitioned to the new provincial service. READ MORE »
2016-04-15-A-new-and-improved-transcription-service-in-Sun-Country.pdf

Watch and learn (more about 3sHealth)

April 13, 2016 - What work are we involved in and how are we positively transforming healthcare in the province? Watch this video to find out more! READ MORE »

Follow us on Twitter!

April 13, 2016 - 3sHealth is now active on the site and we'd love for you to follow us. READ MORE »
2016-04-13-Follow-us-on-Twitter-external.pdf

More life insurance coverage for 3sHealth benefits plan members

April 6, 2016 - An estimated 1,700 3sHealth employee benefits plan members now have additional life insurance coverage in response to a one-time enrollment opportunity offered by 3sHealth. READ MORE »
2016-04-05-More-life-insurance-coverage-for-plan-members.pdf

The WCB continuous improvement journey

April 1, 2016 - At the Workers’ Compensation Board offices, improvement, measurement, Lean training and the elimination of waste looks and feels different from the 3sHealth experience but the goal to continuously improve processes and outcomes for the customer is the same. READ MORE »
2016-04-01-The-WCB-continuous-improvement-journey.pdf

NISS News - January 2016

March 10, 2016 - Nursing Information System Saskatchewan (NISS) is a patient information system. It is used in acute care, long term care and home care settings across Saskatchewan as well as Ontario, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories.The January 2016 issue of the NISS Newsletter contains information about updates and changes important to program users. READ MORE »
2016.01-NISS-News.pdf

Physicians: improving dictation and transcription services means better patient care

March 7, 2016 - After a recent standardization event, two physicians shared their thoughts on the benefits of standardizing technologies and processes at the provincial level. Watch their video testimonials! READ MORE »

Province standardizes work types in transcription services

March 4, 2016 - A team of 33 healthcare practitioners from across Saskatchewan (including physicians, medical transcriptionists and health information managers) standardized, simplified and streamlined acute care templates that will be used at the provincial level to dictate reports after patient care events. READ MORE »
2016-03-04-Province-standardizes-work-types-in-transcription-services.pdf

New “Smart” IV pumps will improve patient safety across the province

Regina - February 25, 2016 - Through a provincial initiative supported by the health regions, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, eHealth Saskatchewan and 3sHealth, approximately 3,000 new Hospira Plum 360 IV pumps will be introduced in hospitals, health-care facilities and homecare environments over the next 10 months. READ MORE »
2016-02-25-Smart-IV-Pumps-Impact-Patient-Safety-FINAL.pdf

Lean and Patient First are making a difference in Saskatchewan

February 23, 2016 - Dr. Joy Dobson, a physician consultant with 3sHealth, says Lean is having positive effects all around. READ MORE »
2016-02-23-Lean-and-Patient-First-are-making-a-difference-in-Saskatchewan.pdf

Transforming acute care transcription services in Weyburn

February 12, 2016 - New voice recognition software is now live at the Weyburn General Hospital. It's the first health facility in the province to have implemented the technology, with many more to come. READ MORE »
2016-02-12-Transforming-acute-care-transcription-services-in-Weyburn.pdf

Saving lives with simple visual cues

February 12, 2016 - Find out how visual cues now in place at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre are helping care providers better perform ventilator checks on patients. READ MORE »
2016-02-12-Saving-lives-with-simple-visual-cues.pdf

Your T4 is on its way

February 8, 2016 - A total of 55,674 T4s have now been shipped by 3sHealth to healthcare employers across the province. READ MORE »
2016-02-07-Your-T4-is-on-its-way.pdf

Patient safety at heart of provincial Smart IV Pump project

February 5, 2016 - Saskatchewan patients receiving IV medication in hospital will soon be a lot safer, thanks to the province-wide introduction this year of infusion “smart pumps” that will help prevent dosing errors. READ MORE »
2016-01-29-Smart-pump-RPIW.pdf

Smart IV Pump implementation achieves key milestones

January 18, 2016 - Saskatchewan has broken new ground and is leading the way across Canada with a provincial approach to the implementation of Smart IV Pumps. READ MORE »
2016-01-18-Smart-IV-Pump-implementation-achieves-milestones.pdf

‘Live Chat’ option now available to 3sHealth Employee Benefits customers

December 28, 2015 - 3sHealth employee benefits clients now have the option of chatting electronically with a Benefits Services Officer through the 3sHealth website. READ MORE »
2015-12-28-Live-Chat.pdf

A new vision for disability leave

December 21, 2015 - Whenever a healthcare employee is on illness or disability, the goal is to get them back to work safely as quickly as possible. Stakeholders from across the province met in Regina on Nov. 18th to discuss a new way of thinking when it comes to disability leave. READ MORE »
2015-12-21-A-new-vision-for-disability-leave.pdf

Provincial Auditor's report on 3sHealth procurement process released

December 14, 2015 - READ MORE »
2015-12-14-Provincial-Auditor's-report-on-3sHealth-procurement-process-released.pdf

Improvement event focuses on employee benefits customers

December 8, 2015 - A team including 3sHealth employee benefits and information management staff as well as subject matter experts from SaskTel and eHealth came together for a Rapid Process Improvement Workshop (RPIW) focused on creating a consistent client experience for 3sHealth’s employee benefits customers. READ MORE »
2015-12-07-Improvement-event-focuses-on-customers.pdf

Momentum building in provincial transcription services project

December 4, 2015 - In late November, more than 60 stakeholders from across the system came together over a three-day period to begin implementation efforts aimed at transforming the service for the benefit of patients and families. READ MORE »
2015-12-04-Momentum-building-in-provincial-transcription-services-project.pdf

3sHealth CEO Andrew Will appointed Interim President and CEO for Saskatoon Health Region

November 30, 2015 - Saskatoon Regional Health Authority (SRHA) board Chair Mike Stensrud today announced Saskatoon Health Region's President and CEO Dan Florizone is taking a medical leave of absence for the next few months. SRHA has appointed Andrew Will, 3sHealth's CEO, as Saskatoon Health Region's Interim President and CEO. READ MORE »

Fall 2015 Employee Benefits Newsletter

November 24, 2015 - The Fall 2015 Employee Benefits newsletter contains information on benefit plan improvements, plan coverage while traveling outside Canada, the new 3-in-1 benefits card and optional life insurance. READ MORE »
2015_EBP_Fall_Newsletter_web.pdf

Smart pumps will improve patient safety

November 23, 2015 - The course of Allison Wells’ life changed the morning of May 29, 2014. That was the day her then three-year-old son, Logan, nearly died. Logan, who has a rare kidney disorder, experienced a string of medical errors but it was one near fatal error that changed everything. READ MORE »
2015-22-24-Smart-pumps-will-improve-patient-safety.pdf

Delivering quality payroll service

November 23, 2015 - There is great responsibility in managing payroll services for 47,000 healthcare employees across Saskatchewan. READ MORE »
2015-11-23-Delivering-quality-payroll-service.pdf

Partners in planning provincial transcription services project

November 23, 2015 - The provincial transcription services project team has appreciated the hospitality of the regional health authorities and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency as they traveled across the province for site visits. READ MORE »
2015-11-23-Partners-in-planning-provincial-transcription-services-project.pdf

Provincial supply chain work focuses on product issue resolution

November 23, 2015 - Clinicians and materials management professionals from across the province are working with 3sHealth’s clinical advisory and provincial contracting teams to create a provincial solution for identifying, prioritizing, communicating and resolving product issues. READ MORE »
2015-11-23-Provincial-supply-chain-work-focuses-on-product-issue-resolution.pdf

3sHealth embraces Change Day

November 23, 2015 - Walking 10,000 steps, connecting with co-workers more regularly, getting a flu shot and drinking more water were some of the pledges 3sHealth staff members made as part as Change Day 2015, an exciting global movement aimed at making small health care improvements. READ MORE »
2015-11-23-3sHealth-embraces-change-day.pdf

3sHealth Fall 2015 Report Card

November 18, 2015 - The 3sHealth Fall 2015 Report card contains information on the provincial Smart Pump IV implementation, the launch of the provincial linen service, transcription service implementation, 3sHealth's payroll services, and a new provincial approach to resolving supply chain product issues. READ MORE »
2015-11-18-3sHealth-Report_Card_WEB.pdf

Collaborating to improve supply management

November 12, 2015 - This fall the continuous improvement team within the Ministry of Justice and Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert partnered with 3sHealth to significantly improve how the facility orders and manages its supplies. READ MORE »
2015-11-12-Collaborating-to-improve-supply-management.pdf

Simplifying the My Talent area of Gateway Online

November 2, 2015 - Starting on November 19, it will be much easier and much more efficient for healthcare system employees to enter their skills and talents in Gateway Online. READ MORE »

Enhancing the disability claims process

October 2, 2015 - Through new document management technology due to launch November 23. READ MORE »
2015-10-02-Enhancing-the-disability-claims-process.pdf

New Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) begins on October 1st

October 1, 2015 - 3s Health and its health system partners have announced that Shepell, a leading Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider will begin providing services to eligible employees on October 1, 2015. READ MORE »
2015-10-01-New-Employee-Family-Assistance-Program.pdf

Ready, Set, Go! - Provincial linen service transition launched in September

October 1, 2015 - State-of-the-art infection prevention and control, quality processes to ensure defects do not reach patients and residents, enhanced safety, softer, larger, and more comfortable linens, and a smaller environmental footprint – these are all innovations of the new provincial linen service. READ MORE »
2015-10-01-Ready-set-go.pdf

Transcription services roadshow rolls on

September 25, 2015 - Between September 17 and 24, five health regions have hosted representatives from 3sHealth as part of ongoing collaboration on the transcription services project. Additional sessions with each region and the cancer agency will take place throughout the fall. READ MORE »
2015-09-25-Transcription-Road-Show.pdf

Provincial reps improving product issue resolution process

September 25, 2015 - On September 9 and 10, a cross-functional team came together to develop and implement standard work for product issue identification, prioritization and planning, and communication as part of ongoing work to create a consistent provincial process. READ MORE »
2015-09-25-Provincial-Reps-improving-product-issue-resolution.pdf

2014-15 Annual Report

July 31, 2015 - 3sHealth releases its 2014-15 Annual Report. READ MORE »
3sHealth_2014-15_Annual_Report.pdf

An artist with 'heart'

July 21, 2015 - For years, Sandy Compton had a pop-up book of the human body in her home. She’s not a physician, nurse or scientist by training, so some might have thought it an unusual book to have in her personal collection.
“I didn’t know why I had it, but I needed to have it,” she says.
READ MORE »
2015-07-21-An-artist-with-heart.pdf

Strategizing to ensure future success

July 13, 2015 - The provincial transcription services project team held a very successful planning event on July 7 to begin sorting out the critical path ahead. READ MORE »
2015-07-13-Strategizing-to-ensure-future-success.pdf

NISS News - June 2015

June 29, 2015 - Nursing Information System Saskatchewan (NISS) is a patient information system. It is used in acute care, long term care and home care settings across Saskatchewan as well as Ontario, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories.

The June 2015 issue of the NISS Newsletter features a story about the piloting an electronic form in Sunrise Health Region as well as updates and changes important to program users. READ MORE »
2015.06-NISS-News.pdf

3sHealth Spring 2015 Report Card

June 29, 2015 - The Spring 2015 issue of the 3sHealth Report Card contains information on exceeding the 5 year provincial savings goal for shared service, an update on the provincial linen service transition, and progress on provincial product standardization. READ MORE »
2015-06-3sHealth-Report-Card.pdf

Patient information at your fingertips: piloting an electronic assessment form in Sunrise Health Region

June 23, 2015 - “Being able to complete the NISS DSA at the bedside has allowed nursing staff to spend more time with patients. Having a patient’s information available at your fingertips is very beneficial when it comes to patient care,” said Amanda Spelay, RN, Medicine Clinical Coordinator for Sunrise Health Region after trialing an new electronic assessment for developed collaboratively by eHealth Services, 3sHealth and Sunrise Health Region. READ MORE »
2015.06-NISS-News.pdf

3sHealth helping to implement Patient First Review recommendations

June 10, 2015 - The organization is contributing through provincial contracting efforts, and the work to stand up a provincial linen service. READ MORE »
Highlights Patients First Review Update.pdf

Train-the-trainer events help prepare for linen transition

June 3, 2015 - In June, an important milestone in preparing health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency for transition to the provincial linen service will occur, with several training events taking place across the province. These events will provide the knowledge and tools that linen managers and supervisors will need to train their staff in new standard work. READ MORE »
2015-06-03-Train-the-trainer-events-prepare-for-transition.pdf

3sHealth Employee Benefits Plan 2015 Members Annual Statement Newsletter

May 26, 2015 - This most recent newsletter was mailed in May 2015 with employees' Members' Annual Statement. READ MORE »
2015-05-26-EBP-Member-Statement-web.pdf

New West Partnership Trade Agreement pays off

May 15, 2015 - Through the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, the health system is realizing quality improvements and savings beyond what Saskatchewan could achieve alone. READ MORE »
2015-05-New-West-Partnership-Trade-Agreement-pays-off.pdf

Provincial linen service focuses on quality

April 30, 2015 - When it comes to quality of care, nothing should be considered inconsequential, including linen supplies. Clean bedding, a soft bath towel or washcloth can make a huge difference to the experience of acute care patients and long-term care residents. This is why quality measures for linen are a critical part of the new provincial linen service. READ MORE »
2015-04-30-Provincial-linen-service-focuses-on-quality.pdf

Creating a better information return process for our customers

April 3, 2015 - After a recent rapid process improvement workshop, an annual information exchange between 3sHealth and our customers is now simpler, defect-free, and more efficient. READ MORE »
2015-04-Creating-a-better-information-return-process-for-our-customers.pdf

Province's health system realizes $110 million in cost savings

March 24, 2015 - 3sHealth, in partnership with the health regions and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, has surpassed its five-year target to identify $100 million in cost savings for Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. READ MORE »
2015-03-Province's-health-system-realizes-$110-million-in-cost-savings.pdf

Checklist for change: linen transition teams work together for success

March 17, 2015 - The 3sHealth Provincial Linen Service (PLS) transition team is working with transition leaders and teams in the health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) to ensure all facilities will be ready to make the switch to K-Bro Linen Systems, the new linen provider, when the transition begins in September. READ MORE »
2015-03-17-Checklist-for-change.pdf

Visitors impressed with daily visual management at 3sHealth

March 12, 2015 - In the past year, groups have come from Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, SAHO, the Ministry of Education, SaskTel and Workers’ Compensation Board to get a firsthand look at how we are experimenting with daily visual management and finding ways to make it better over time. READ MORE »
2015-03-Visitors-impressed-with-daily-visual-management-at-3sHealth.pdf

Engaging like never before

March 12, 2015 - In October 2014, the senior leadership team at 3sHealth began a series of face-to-face meetings with senior leaders from each health region and agency. We caught up with Leanne Ashdown, executive director of internal audit and enterprise risk management at 3sHealth, to find out how the roadshow has been going and get her thoughts on this important work. READ MORE »

Linen transition teams are planning together for new service

February 2, 2015 - Building relationships and confidence in the Provincial Linen Service (PLS) transition process is a high priority for the 3sHealth PLS transition team, which spent the fall conducting site visits with health region and Cancer Agency transition teams. READ MORE »
2015-02-01-Linen-transition-teams-planning-for-new-service.pdf

Senior leaders at 3sHealth on provincial roadshow

December 15, 2014 - The purpose is to meet with every health region and agency to talk about shared services. The focus is on what we have done to date as a system, where we are now, and where we are going next. READ MORE »
2014-12-Senior-leaders-at-3sHealth-on-provincial-roadshow.pdf

Morning care for residents transformed by giving staff supplies they need

December 3, 2014 - Morning care, the time when residents get cleaned and dressed for the day, is often the only one-on-one time long-term care residents spend with a care provider. Now, thanks to improvement work that started on two units and has spread to others using Lean methods, care providers have found ways to ensure they have all the supplies they need on hand, fewer steps to walk, and uninterrupted time with residents. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2014-12-Morning-care-for-residents-transformed.pdf

Fall 2014 Employee Benefits Newsletter

December 1, 2014 - This newsletter contains items of interest for members of the 3sHealth employee benefits plan. READ MORE »
2014_EBP_Fall_Newsletter_web.pdf

Potential improvements coming to Gateway Online

December 1, 2014 - Representatives from across the province took part in a rapid process improvement workshop in the first week of November. The team identified significant improvements that could be made to the talent profile area of Gateway that will make entering and administering talent in the system much more efficient. READ MORE »
2014-12-Potential-improvements-coming-to-Gateway-Online.pdf

Creating winning conditions for successful product conversions

December 1, 2014 - On Friday, November 21 members of the Materials Management Committee, the Clinical Advisory Committee, 3sHealth, and other healthcare system stakeholders gathered in Regina for a one-day kaizen event. The goal of participants was to identify the main issues that stand in the way of successful product conversions. READ MORE »
20141201-Creating-Winning-Conditions-For-Successful-Product-Conversions.pdf

New Regina laundry plant will feature innovative technology to improve patient care

December 1, 2014 - When the transition to the new provincial linen service for Saskatchewan’s healthcare sector is complete, healthcare facilities will be using linen processed in a new plant that is being built in Regina by K-Bro Linen Systems. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2014-11-New-Regina-laundry-plant-will-feature-innovations.pdf

NISS News - December 2014

November 26, 2014 - Nursing Information System Saskatchewan (NISS) is a patient information system. It is used in acute care, long term care and home care settings across Saskatchewan as well as Ontario, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories.

The December 2014 issues of NISS News contains recent information about the program, as well as updates and changes important to program users.
READ MORE »
2014.11-NISS-News.pdf

3sHealth Fall 2014 Report Card

November 15, 2014 - The Fall 2014 Report Card contains information about innovative approaches to shared services for the healthcare system including a Lean replication event, career postings, the new linen processing plant opening in Regina, business case development. READ MORE »
2014-11-3sHealth-Report-Card.pdf

Job postings are now more provincial than ever...

November 5, 2014 - Recent efforts have resulted in the interfacing of two prominent healthcare career websites in Saskatchewan. READ MORE »
2014-11-Job-postings-are-now-more-provincial-than-ever.pdf

Good progress on the provincial Enterprise Resource Planning project

November 5, 2014 - The healthcare system requires a better, more integrated technology to support human resources, finance, supply chain, business intelligence, scheduling, benefits, and payroll functions. That’s why the province is moving towards implementing a single enterprise resource planning solution. READ MORE »
2014-11-Good-progress-on-the-provincial-Enterprise-Resource-Planning-project.pdf

Linen transition leaders plan for change

November 4, 2014 - Health region and cancer agencies leaders responsible for transitioning to the new provincial linen service in their organization met face-to-face for the first time in October. The group gathered with members of the 3sHealth transition project team and representatives from K-Bro Linen Systems to discuss the planning steps and to learn about features of the new services. READ MORE »
2014-11-Linen-transition-leaders-plan-for-change.pdf

2013-14 Annual Report

August 7, 2014 - 3sHealth releases its 2013-14 Annual Report. READ MORE »
2013-2014_3sHealth_Annual_WEB.pdf

Healthcare partners creating enterprise resource planning system

July 10, 2014 - Health regions, the SCA and 3sHealth have started working together to put in place a single, province-wide enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to fundamentally improve how human resource, payroll, benefits, staff scheduling, financial, supply chain and business intelligence services are delivered in the Saskatchewan health system. READ MORE »
2014-07-10-Healthcarepartnerscreatingenterpriseresourceplanningsystem.pdf

Saskatoon Health Region leads the way in transitioning to a provincial linen service

July 10, 2014 - Saskatoon Health Region's experiences with K-Bro Linen Systems is providing valuable experience and learnings as the health care system transitions to the new provincial linen system. READ MORE »
2014-07-10-SaskatoonHealthRegionleadstheway.pdf

3sHealth Spring 2014 Report Card

May 5, 2014 - 3sHealth has published its Spring Report Card. Contents include articles on supply chain planning, new hemodialysis equipment, quality improvements in the Provincial Linen Service, stakeholder engagement, provincial savings through shared services, and the wrap-up of the Gateway On-line project. READ MORE »
2014-04-3sHealth-Report-Card.pdf

Transition planning for the Provincial Linen Service continues

April 8, 2014 - Representatives from Regina Qu’Appelle, Sun Country, Sunrise, and Saskatoon health regions, North Sask Laundry, and 3sHealth met on March 12, 2014 to discuss planning related to the transition to the new provincial linen service. The meeting provided region representatives the opportunity to share information about current work and to learn about the planning that 3sHealth is doing in partnership with K-Bro Linen Systems and the regions.
READ MORE »
3sHealth-2014-04-Transition-planning-for-Provincial-Linen-Service-continues.pdf

Team reduces time for transcription

April 8, 2014 - In a one-week Rapid Process Improvement Workshop (RPIW) held from March 3-7, 2014, a team of physicians and transcriptionists at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current came together and found ways to significantly reduce wait times and improve service delivery overall for the benefit of both patients and staff. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2014-04Team-reduces-transcription-time.pdf

New hemodialysis equipment improves the patient experience

April 8, 2014 - New hemodialysis machines are quickly transforming the quality of patient care for the better. “The machines are the newest technology on the market and they are helping us do a much better job of determining the efficiency of dialysis treatments in real-time,” said Shelley Stamm, Clinical Nurse Manager in the Renal Unit at the Regina General Hospital.
READ MORE »
3sHealth-2014-04-New-hemodialysis-machines.pdf

Linen services become more reliable and inventory is reduced in Cypress Health Region

April 7, 2014 - A Rapid Process Improvement Workshop (RPIW) held the week of March 3-7, 2014 at Palliser Care Centre in Swift Current, a team of care providers and environmental service workers made the linen service more predictable, reliable, and at the same time, removed large amounts of excess linen. READ MORE »

3sHealth Employee Benefits Plan 2014 Members Annual Statement Newsletter

April 1, 2014 - This issue of the 3sHealth Employee Benefits Newsletter was sent with the Member's Annual Statement. READ MORE »
2014-3sHealth-EBP-Annual-Statement.pdf

RQHR and 3sHealth hold first Lean replication event

February 25, 2014 - During the week of January 27 – 31, 2014, 3sHealth and the Regina Qu'Appelle Health region held the first Lean replication event in the province at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Feb-2014-3sHealth-RQHR-hold-replication-event.pdf

Rate changes for Disability Income Plan capture savings

February 25, 2014 - 3sHealth has projected savings of approximately $5.1 million for health sector employers and employees due to a decrease in Disability Income Plan (DIP) contribution rates.
READ MORE »
3sHealth-Feb2014-Disability-Income-Plan-Rate-Changes.pdf

Are we doing a good job? 3sHealth measures improvements

February 25, 2014 - How do we engage stakeholders? How do we know whether we are on the right track? Can we create a feedback tool that allows us to quickly gauge satisfaction levels and follow up on specific concerns? READ MORE »
3sHealth-Feb-2014-Pulse-Surveys.pdf

Payroll reporting process goes green

February 24, 2014 - On December 23, 2013, 3sHealth moved to an online payroll reporting process in conjunction with the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) and affiliate organizations. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Feb-2014-Payroll-reporting-goes-green.pdf

Plans finalized for new provincial health care linen system

January 15, 2014 - The province is one step closer to implementing a new provincial linen service for Saskatchewan’s health care system.
READ MORE »
3sHealth-Jan-2014-Plans-finalized-for-new-provincial-linen-system.pdf

Medical imaging and laboratory services business cases make progress

January 15, 2014 - The business case development for medical imaging and laboratory services has made progress over the months of November and December.
READ MORE »
3sHealth-Jan-2014-Update-on-MI-MLS-Business-Cases.pdf

Staff scheduling and standard work aimed at improving patient care

January 14, 2014 - On December 3, 2013 employee, employer, labour relations and union representatives gathered to refine the work of a visioning day held earlier this year related to staff scheduling and standard work processes. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Jan-2014-Staff-Scheduling-Provincial-Standard-Work-Event-Dec3-2013.pdf

Lean event addresses improvements in group purchasing processes

January 14, 2014 - In October, 3sHealth hosted a rapid process improvement workshop (RPIW) in which representatives from several health regions, the Ministry of Health, John Black and Associates, a patient, and a vendor participated. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Jan-2014-Improvements-in-Group-Purchasing.pdf

3sHealth staff learn basics of Lean

December 3, 2013 - All 3sHealth staff members have now had Kaizen Basics training, the same program being offered to health care employees across the province. READ MORE »

Provincial Linen Services - Quick wins improve patient experience and capture savings

November 28, 2013 - 3sHealth, working in partnership with the health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, is implementing “Quick Win” linen solutions that will improve the patient experience and capture savings across the province. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-11-Provincial-Linen-Quick-Wins.pdf

Enterprise Resource Planning for health sector

November 28, 2013 - On Tuesday, October 15, the Council of CEOs unanimously endorsed the recommendation to proceed with the procurement of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for the health sector in Saskatchewan. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-11-Enterprise-Resource-Planning-System-for-Health-Sector.pdf

3sHealth IT processes improved

November 28, 2013 - Representatives from 3sHealth, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and John Black and Associates came together the week of October 28 to November 1, 2013 to conduct a rapid process improvement workshop (RPIW) to improve 3sHealth IT processes. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-11-IT-Processes-Improved.pdf

3sHealth Fall 2013 Report Card

November 5, 2013 - The Fall 2013 Report Card provides update on business cases that are being developed. READ MORE »
2013-10-3sHealth-Report-Card-web.pdf

2012-13 Annual Report

October 29, 2013 - 3sHealth releases its 2012-13 Annual Report. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Annual-Report-2012-2013.pdf

3sHealth business case update

September 27, 2013 - 3sHealth and its health system partners are currently developing seven business cases that will identify opportunities to improve quality and capture value by delivering services through a shared services model. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-09-Spotlight-BusinessCaseUpdate.pdf

Stakeholders discuss the future of environmental services for health care

September 24, 2013 - The Lead and Operations Team members for the Environment Services business case met on September 10 and 11, 2013, to review data that was collected as part of the business case development and to provide direction for the interim report. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-09-Environmental-Services-Workshop.pdf

Group purchasing initiatives deliver quality and savings for patients and families

September 18, 2013 - With a mandate to standardize products and services, 3sHealth continues to negotiate national and provincial contracts to secure cost savings for the Saskatchewan healthcare system. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2014-04-Group-Purchasing-Delivers-Quality-and-Savings.pdf

Medical imaging and laboratory services business cases get underway

August 15, 2013 - The medical imaging and medical laboratory services business cases got off to an exciting start in June. Over 180 participants from Saskatchewan’s health care system gathered together to talk about the current states and their vision for the future of Saskatchewan’s health system. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Medical-Imaging-and-Laboratory-Services-Visioning-Sessions-August-2013.pdf

A Lean approach to Disability Income Plan appeals

August 15, 2013 - For clients of 3sHealth’s Disability Income Plans (DIP), a Lean exercise created a significant change in the way appeals in the DIP department are handled. READ MORE »
3sHealth-A-Lean-Approach-to-DIP-Appeals-August-2013.pdf

3sHealth and Weyburn Special Care Home partner to find scheduling solutions

August 15, 2013 - In May, 3sHealth and the SUN Country Health Region partnered on two Rapid Process Improvement Workshops (RPIWs) at the Weyburn Special Care Home to improve scheduling processes for their nursing and food services staff. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Weyburn-Staff-Scheduling-Solutions-August-2103.pdf

3sHealth Summer 2013 Report Card

August 7, 2013 - 3sHealth has published its most recent quarterly report card. This edition contains an update on the Provincial Linen Service, supply chain management and savings through shared services initiatives. READ MORE »
3sHealth-Summer-2013-Report-Card.pdf

Provincial linen solution for health care system to be implemented

July 19, 2013 - A new provincial linen service that will significantly improve quality for patients and residents has been announced. A new state-of-the art processing plant that will utilize the latest technology to ensure the highest standard of infection prevention and control, improve the quality of linen and linen service, and improve employee safety will be located in Regina. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-07-Linen-Solution.pdf

A successful launch for Gateway's myJOBS

July 19, 2013 - myJOBS, the newest service offered through Gateway Online, launched June 3, 2013 with much success. The new service offers healthcare workers a one-stop shop approach to view, and electronically apply for healthcare positions. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-07-myJOBS.pdf

3sHealth announces rebates for members of the Retiree Benefit Plan

July 19, 2013 - On May 10, 2013, 3sHealth issued a refund cheque to people who were members of its Retiree Benefit Plan on April 1, 2013. The refund is a result of contract negotiations with Group Medical Services (GMS) that adjusts the premium rate to reflect the actual claims experienced by plan members, compared to estimated claims costs. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-07-Benefits.pdf

NISS News - June 2013 Edition

June 11, 2013 - Nursing Information System Saskatchewan (NISS) is a patient information system administered by 3sHealth. It is used in acute care, long term care and home care settings across Saskatchewan as well as Ontario, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The NISS News is published to keep users up-to-date with changes to the program. READ MORE »
3sHealth-NISS-News-June-2013-Revised.pdf

Kanban seminar releases time and space in Prince Albert's Victoria Hospital

April 12, 2013 - Leaders from 3sHealth had the opportunity to join the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region to implement a Kanban system improving the flow of materials in Victoria Hospital. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-03-Kanban.pdf

Provincial Linen Service focuses on improving the patient experience

April 11, 2013 - 3sHealth and the health regions continue to work together to improve the quality and efficiency of Provincial Linen Service. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-03-Linen.pdf

Vision for provincial staff scheduling

February 22, 2013 - On Friday January 18, healthcare professionals from across the province were brought together to begin setting the stage for a new provincial staff scheduling system. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-02-Scheduling.pdf

Future planning for supply chain management

February 22, 2013 - Representatives from 3sHealth, along with supply chain managers from the health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), met for a two day workshop January 16 – 17, 2013 to discuss the future state of supply chain management for the healthcare system READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-02-Supply-Chain.pdf

Great West Life adds new providers to eClaims network

February 19, 2013 - Great-West life is enhancing their provider eClaims network by adding more paramedical services to the network.
READ MORE »
3sHealth-2013-02-Great-West-Life.pdf

3sHealth Winter 2012 Report Card

December 19, 2012 - 3sHealth published its second Report Card on December 19, 2012. This most recent report contains information on savings achieved this year through provincial shared services initiatives, customer feedback on 3sHealth projects, information systems improvements and other initiatives. READ MORE »
3sHealth_December_2012_Report_Card.pdf

Provincial contract for orthopaedic implants

December 18, 2012 - 3sHealth worked with Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to sign a provincial contract for orthopaedic implants. The contract includes components for hip and knee replacements, and is expected to result in annual savings of approximately $1.2 million. READ MORE »
3sHealth-2012-12-Orthopaedic.pdf

2011-12 Annual Report

October 16, 2012 - The Annual Report and financial statements for the reporting year 2011-12 were filed as SAHO. In April 2012 the Bylaws and governance changed creating Health Shared Services Saskatchewan (3sHealth) and dissolving the board structure for SAHO. The Board of 3sHealth reviewed and approved the financial statements in September following the audit of the Provincial Auditor. Corporate financial statements are now filed under 3sHealth.
READ MORE »
2011-2012-SAHO-Annual-Report.pdf

3P (Production Preparation Process) event held October 2012

October 3, 2012 - 3sHealth has been working with the health system stakeholders to examine options for modernizing the province’s health care laundry system, which currently processes 75% of the institutional linen (approximately 23 million pounds annually for 150 acute and long term care facilities). READ MORE »
3sHealth-2012-10-Laundry-3P-Event (3).pdf

3sHealth September 2012 Report Card

September 25, 2012 - 3sHealth published inaugural first edition of its Report Card. The Report Card contains information on the new 3sHealth Board of Directors, savings achieved to-date from supply chain efficiencies and other shared service initiatives, Lean management at 3sHealth, Gateway Online, and the provincial linen strategy. READ MORE »
3sHealth-ReportCard-2012-09.pdf

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