by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 25/97) - Although there won't be many visible changes apparent for a while, Yellowknifers can expect to notice a huge increase in the convenience of health services available to them over the next year.

On April 1, 1997, Yellowknife Health and Social Service was created by order of the Hon. Kelvin Ng, Minister of Health and Social Services.

YKHSS is one of many organizations growing from the decentralization of Mackenzie Regional Health Services.

Social Services, YK Public Health, Regional Public Health, Environmental Health Services, Homecare from Stanton, Mental Health from Stanton and the eye clinic will come together under one roof over the course of this year.

It has not yet been determined exactly what building will house the services, or when the moves will take place.

"Individuals will notice if they have need of more than one service, it will be easier to link them," said interim Public Administraor Don Ellis.

It will also be easier for other organizations in the community to interact with one large service, rather than several small services, said Ellis.

The new YKHSS is intended to improve the accessibility of services, increase the focus on Yellowknifers and decrease costly and time-consuming duplication of paperwork and services.