Review of Health Services in Central Released Future directions for health services in Central Newfoundland were outlined today by the Minister of Health, Lloyd Matthews. "Government has accepted, in principle, the findings of a comprehensive review of health services in the region," said the minister. Mr. Matthews publicly released the review, undertaken by an independent consultant, today in Gander. "Overall, this report outlines directions for government and regional boards to consider in planning for the delivery of health services in the region over the next several years," said the minister. "All three boards in the central region have accomplished a great deal since they assumed responsibility for delivering health services. The boards have established a cooperative working relationship that has enabled programs and services to be efficiently organized and responsive to patient needs. This report acknowledges that and outlines directions for enhancing these partnerships." The review focused on all aspects of health service delivery throughout the region including community based services, primary care, hospital services and long term care. The consultant was asked to make recommendations based on population projections to the year 2005. "We asked for a comprehensive review to determine present and future health needs and to determine how health services could be organized to best meet those needs," said Mr. Matthews. "This review will now serve as a framework for organizing a more collaborative and efficient health system in the region." "Recommendations to enhance primary and community health services call for greater collaboration between all boards, health providers and the community. For example, gaps in mental health services should be addressed through a long term plan," said the minister. "This plan will involve collaboration between all three boards, the Department of Health and consumer groups." In terms of secondary health services, the review recommends two regional hospitals for Central Newfoundland. Both the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and the James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander should continue to provide the specialty services currently provided. A renal dialysis service is also recommended for the region. The review also states that adjustments to long term care services in the region may be needed in future. "Long term care facilities should provide high level nursing care while seniors requiring minimal assistance should access services in their communities, either through home supports or personal care homes," said the minister. "While there is a need for redevelopment of some long term care facilities to focus more on providing higher levels of care, further study is needed to determine exact bed numbers and levels of care." Priority areas for redevelopment include the James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander and the Harbour Breton Hospital. "There is a need for redevelopment to continue at the Gander Hospital, however, some changes must be made to the original plans," said the minister. A rehabilitation unit is recommended for the facility, however an inpatient psychiatric unit is not recommended at the present time given trends toward community based mental health services. The consultant recommends approximately 94 beds for the facility with expanded space for intensive care services, operating room facilities and other specialized programs. "While the recommended bed complement is not as high as originally envisioned, expansion of the facility is necessary to adequately accommodate the kinds of services offered." The minister thanked the consulting firm of KPMG in the preparation of the report and all health boards for their cooperation during this process. "Government has accepted the overall directions outlined in the report and will now ask the boards to consider these recommendations as part of the future planning process." The minister also acknowledged the high level of public interest demonstrated by organizations and individuals throughout the region. Contact: Jill Sooley, Department of Health, (709) 729-1377.
PRIMARY AND COMMUNITY CARE
SECONDARY SERVICES
LONG TERM CARE
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 1) James Paton Memorial Hospital, Gander
2) Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre, Twillingate
3) Harbour Breton Hospital
4) North Haven Manor, Lewisporte
5) Carmelite House, Grand Falls-Windsor
6) Fogo Island Hospital
7) Lakeside Homes, Gander
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