Major Health Announcements for Central Region

Following yesterday�s Cabinet meeting in Grand Falls-Windsor, government made two important health announcements for the region: a new two-storey extension will be added to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Center in Grand Falls-Windsor and the Central East Health Care Institutions Board is authorized to take the necessary steps to activate the new wing for the James Paton Hospital in Gander.

Premier Roger Grimes said he is pleased government is able to enhance health services for the Central Region of the province. "Health care remains a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are working to ensuring the people of the province have access to health services they need. The enhancements to the two hospitals in the Central Region will be a great addition to the health services in the area," said the Premier.

Health and Community Services Minster Gerald Smith explained the benefits these extensions will bring to the Central Region. "For the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Center in Grand Falls-Windsor, the first priority on the new extension will be a new cancer clinic, a service that needs to be upgraded in the area. At the James Paton Hospital in Gander the new wing will bring many enhanced services, including a fourth operating room, increased number of ICU beds, and improved Emergency Room Services," said Smith.

"The new two-storey addition to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Center is an excellent enhancement which will benefit the people in my district immensely. In particular, I am delighted that the people in the region will now have access to a new cancer clinic which allow cancer patients to receive treatment in an up-to-date, esthetically pleasing environment," said Anna Thistle, MHA for Grand Falls-Buchans, and Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education.

"As MHA for Gander district, I am excited that the new wing of the James Paton Hospital will now become operational. Gander and area residents have been anxiously awaiting for this new addition to open. I am also pleased that government remains committed to completing the hospital redevelopment project within the $69 million budgeted," said Sandra Kelly, MHA for Gander.

Gerry Reid, MHA for the district of Twillingate-Fogo and Tom Lush MHA for the district of Terra Nova, both said they were pleased with yesterday�s announcements, and that they will also benefit the people in their districts as well.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377

2003 06 27                                4:00 p.m.