May 1, 1996
(Health)

Health Minister Comments on Meeting With Nurses Union

Health Minister Lloyd Matthews acknowledged the efforts of the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union (NLNU) following a presentation today by Nurses Union President Debbie Forward on the development of community health centres throughout the province. At the meeting today, the NLNU presented the minister with a document entitled, Action Plan to Develop Community Health Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador. The minister said he was pleased to see the NLNU develop a strategy for the future delivery of health services in the province. "I wish to thank the nurses union for taking this initiative and developing an action plan."

The minister said the plan, which proposes the establishment of community health centres, fits in well with the community based model of health service delivery. Mr. Matthews said: "The Department of Health advocates the broader view of health with greater emphasis on the promotion of good physical and mental health. A number of reform initiatives have already been implemented, including the establishment of community health boards to ensure that health needs are met. This call for community health centres is another component of the move toward strengthening community health services."

Mr. Matthews added any changes to the delivery of health services would follow an extensive consultation process among various stakeholder groups. "Reorganization of health care into community centres is part of an ongoing dialogue at the provincial as well as at the national level. We will continue to discuss ways to improve the health system with both users and providers of health care."

Contact: Jill Sooley, Public Relations Director, (709) 729-1377.