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NLIS 2 October 14, 2003 (Health and Community Services) New Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital officially opened Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith today officially opened the new Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville. With the hospital officially opened, work will now begin to transfer operations from the old site to the new facility. This work is expected to take a couple of weeks to complete, and it is anticipated that patients will be able to avail of the new hospital in early November. "Today is a momentous day for the people in the Bay St. George area. This new hospital will mean improved health services for the people, and I am pleased to be able to officially open it," said Minister Smith. "Government is committed to ensuring that patients and health professionals have access to up-to-date health infrastructure, and we continue to make investments to ensure that our health facilities are meeting the needs of the people of this province." The new Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital cost a total of $34.5 million to construct, and serves the communities from Gallants, west to Jeffreys, including Stephenville, Stephenville Crossing and the Port au Port Peninsula. The new facility contains 50 beds: 46 inpatient and a four-station haemodialysis unit, and will offer services in general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynaecology, opthalmology, and mental health. A new diagnostic mammography service will also be available for residents of the region. Minister Smith explained the new hospital does have a unique feature, specific to the needs of the residents in the area. "The new Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital includes major directional signage in both official languages. No other hospital in the province has signs in both French and English. This initiative is in direct recognition of the Francophone population served by this hospital, and I am sure it will enhance access to hospital services for the Francophone community in the area." Western Health Care Corporation Board Chair Bernd Staeben was present for the ribbon-cutting and said the new facility is a welcome addition for the area. "We are ecstatic to see this wonderful facility officially opened today. I am sure the people of the Bay St. George area will be very pleased to have a brand new facility in which they can continue to receive top quality medical care." The new hospital is not yet open for patient services. Any resident requiring medical attention should continue to go the existing hospital on Ohio Drive. Western Health Care Corporation will notify the public when the new Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital on Minnesota Drive is fully operational. Media contact:
2003 10 14 12:05 p.m. |
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