Saskatchewan's 12 health regions are each receiving assistance for recruiting and retaining nurses from the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses.

     The Cypress Health Region received the equivalent of 20 full-time positions from this partnership.

     CEO Jim Hornell says they have one of the lowest nursing vacancy rates in the province, but there is still more work to be done.  Currently, the region's struggle is with relief staff.  Hornell says there is very little depth in some of the facilities, particularly in rural areas.

     Hornell adds that the region has been very active in recruitment, hiring over 35 nurses this year.