Minister responds to continued concerns about Corner Brook Licensed Practical Nursing course

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education today responded to continued concern surrounding Western Memorial Hospital's decision to cancel their Licensed Practical Nursing program in Corner Brook due to financial difficulties.

"There will be no interruption in the availability of the Licensed Practical Nursing program in Corner Brook. The College of the North Atlantic's (CONA) application to offer the course, this fall, at the Corner Brook campus is now in the hands of the Council of Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPN) who will meet within the next week or so to finalize the application process," said Minister Kelly. 

"Since June 22, the day after Western Memorial Hospital notified the CLPN they no longer intended to offer the program in Corner Brook, there have been active negotiations between the CLPN and the College to assume responsibility for the delivery of the LPN program in the area," said Minister Kelly. "These negotiations should be concluded within the week." 

Minister Kelly continued to say that government is committed to meeting the educational and health care needs of the province. "This solution is indicative of the continued cooperative community-government approach to problems that arise in our province. Together, we are working toward the best possible solution for all individuals and organizations involved," said Minister Kelly. 

Dr. Trent Keough, director of programs for the College said preparations to offer the LPN program are well underway. "The College of the North Atlantic is currently working with the Council of LPN and the Centre for Nursing Studies to finalize preparations for the delivery of LPN training at our Corner Brook campus in September," said Mr. Keough

Paul Fisher, executive director of the Council of Licensed Practical Nurses, does not anticipate a problem with approval of the application. "We have received the application for brokerage of the LPN from CONA Corner Brook campus. This application will be reviewed by the Council of Licensed Practical Nurses to determine if there is a human resources need to warrant offering the course," said Mr. Fisher. "If CLPN approves the need, then the request will be referred to the Centre for Nursing Studies to determine if standards and criteria for offering the LPN program can be met by CONA's Corner Brook campus."

Once preparations for delivery of the LPN training are completed, the college will determine the application process in accordance with guidelines developed in partnership with the Centre for Nursing Studies. 

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-5730.

2001 07 11                                                       4:50 p.m.