Regina General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Expansion Strengthens Care for Newborns

CANADA, August 31 - Released on August 31, 2026

Capacity in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Regina General Hospital is expanding by three beds to care for more vulnerable newborns in Regina and surrounding communities, supported by major investments from the Government of Saskatchewan and Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

The NICU is increasing from 25 to 28 beds, strengthening care for premature and medically fragile infants who require intensive monitoring and treatment.

"The new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit beds at the Regina General Hospital are an important step to putting patients first by ensuring premature and seriously ill newborns have access to high-quality and specialized care in the right place and at the right time," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "I would like to thank the Hospitals of Regina Foundation and their donors for their ongoing generosity to supporting better outcomes for patients and their families for years to come."

The expansion is part of the Government of Saskatchewan's $8.32 million investment in the 2026-27 Provincial Budget to enhance pediatric and neonatal care across the province. This includes more than $2 million to support the staffing required for the three new beds, funding over 17 full-time equivalent positions to ensure safe, sustainable operations and high-quality care for critically ill and premature infants as demand continues to grow.

In addition, Hospitals of Regina Foundation has committed $800,000 for specialized NICU technology and equipment that supports high-quality care for premature and medically fragile infants.

"Pediatric care is and will remain the top priority for the Foundation," Hospitals of Regina Foundation President and CEO Dino Sophocleous said. "Our caring community's support allows us to fund the technology and equipment our talented medical teams need to provide extraordinary pediatric and maternal care in Regina, and specifically to save the lives of our tiniest patients and create brighter futures for families in southern Saskatchewan."

"When a newborn requires specialized care, every moment matters," Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said. "This expansion of NICU resources at Regina General Hospital strengthens support for babies and families when they need it most. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan and Hospitals of Regina Foundation for their partnership in helping us enhance care for Saskatchewan families." 

The new beds are set to become operational in early September.

-30-