Saskatoon health region still in the red, despite cost-cutting efforts

The Saskatoon Health Region has come up about $19 million shortfor the fiscal year.

It had been trying to cut $40 million in spending, but only reached about half that target as it struggles to keep up with the city's growing population.

In a news release, the region said chronic overcapacity led to higher staffing and supply costs. Repair and maintenance costs also rose.

Over the last five years, it said population in the Saskatoon area has jumped by more than 15 per cent. Hospital stays rose more than 17 per cent. Hospital births went up 12 per cent, surgeries 10 per cent. Meanwhile, spending rose less than sixper cent after inflation.

A detailed review of the current year's budget is set for June.

The region hopes to cut spending by more than $30 million through tighter management.