A delegation from the Saskatoon Health Region is visiting northern communities to gather input on the province’s new Children’s Hospital.

For about 18 months, staff, physicians and families have been working with architects to create a basic floor plan.

Officials are also looking for ideas on the design of the facility.

Health region vice-president Jackie Mann says they listened to comments from students in Stony Rapids yesterday:

“What’s most important to them in this hospital is that they can have their families with them, and that they can be reminded of their environment in the north.  So, for example, nature and the types of animals they’re familiar with are really important symbols to them.”

Mann says cultural considerations will be incorporated into the facility’s design, so that patients will not only feel at home, but also feel able to fulfill their own beliefs.

Another workshop is being held tonight from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre in La Ronge.

Similar meetings will be held in Ile a la Crosse and Meadow in the coming days.