September 24, 1996
(Health)

New board to oversee St. John's nursing homes

Nursing homes in St. John's will be governed by one administrative board structure by early 1997, Health Minister Lloyd Matthews announced today. "The new board in St. John's will have responsibility for governing all aspects of nursing home care in the city," said the minister.

The new board will consolidate the administrative structures of the six nursing homes in St. John's. Savings from consolidating the existing boards into one model of governance is estimated at between $1 million and $1.5 million over the next three years.

"The quality of resident care will not be affected by this change as savings will be realized in administrative efficiencies, and not in terms of services to nursing home residents," said the minister.

The new model for governing nursing homes follows extensive consultation with the St. John's Nursing Home Council and existing nursing home boards. The new board will be comprised of two members nominated by each of the six existing nursing home boards, as well as members appointed at large. Mr. Matthews said the new structure will ensure the identity of each nursing home is preserved through representation on the new board. "As well," he said, "a single board structure will streamline operations, creating a more user-friendly environment in the process."

In other areas of the province, nursing homes are part of the Institutional Health Care Boards. However, given the larger population base and numbers of nursing homes in St. John's, together with the expected increase in the senior's population, government felt it was appropriate to create a separate nursing home board for the St. John's area.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of religious organizations to the health system over the years and stated his willingness to continue working with them under a new restructured system. The six nursing homes in St. John's are; Hoyles-Escasoni Complex, Agnes Pratt, Masonic Park, St. Patrick's Mercy Home, Glenbrook Lodge and St. Luke's Home.

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