Budget Outlines Strategic Investment in Health and Community Care

The people of this province will continue to have access to front-line health and community services through strategic investment, said the Minister of Health and Community Services, Elizabeth Marshall, following today�s provincial budget.

Budget 2004 outlines strategic investments in more community-based care for the most vulnerable members of our society and demonstrates government�s strong commitment to fund priority services and its vision to build on existing strengths and create new opportunities for more accessible health and community care.

"Provinces across the country are grappling with the challenge of meeting the increased demand on our health and community services system with limited resources," said Minister Marshall. "Health care dollars are some of the most precious we have to spend; therefore, it is incumbent on us to invest wisely to best meet the health needs of our population."

Investing in mental health services
In response to the recommendations outlined in Judge Donald Luther�s report, government will invest $1 million in provincial mental health services. This investment allows government to take immediate action on identified long-standing gaps within our mental health system; create more access to mental health services and treatment; and, in time, reduce the stigma that individuals suffering with mental illness face today.

The allocated funding in Budget 2004 builds upon the government�s Throne Speech commitment to develop and implement a new mental health plan.

Some priority areas to be addressed include: develop the Western region�s satellite Early Psychosis program in collaboration with the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s; develop a new Mental Health Act, with expectations to introduce the act in 2005; enhance community education and public awareness in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association; maintain funding to Stella Burry�s Assertive Case Management Program which supports individuals with serious mental illness; ensure services for those with severe and persistent mental illness are co-ordinated through case managers; offer operational support to Consumers Health Awareness Network Newfoundland and Labrador (CHANNAL).

Drug coverage
A new chemotherapy drug to help fight cancer has been added to the Newfoundland and Labrador drug formulary. Gleevec, a drug used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, is part of this year�s $8.6 million additional investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.

The additional funding, allocated to help the program meet growing demands and increased utilization, brings the total investment in the prescription drug program to $107 million in 2004-05.

"Although there are insufficient resources available this year to proceed with all new drug therapies, providing access to new drugs is important to the people who need them," said Minister Marshall. "We are pleased to introduce a new drug therapy for individuals battling courageously against cancer."

The drug program will be reviewed in 2004-05 to determine whether additional resources can be found to invest in other priority medications.

Personal care homes
Government will provide $475,000 in additional funding to increase the rates for personal care home operators. This is the fifth year of implementation of a personal care home strategy in which the sector has received an increase.

There are more than 100 privately-owned personal care and community care homes in the province providing low-level care and accommodation in a residential setting to seniors and individuals with mental illness.

Chief nursing position
Nurses play an integral role in our health and community services system. In recognition of the invaluable services they provide, government will create a chief nursing position within the Department of Health and Community Services to help address nursing issues including primary health care renewal, scope of practice and recruitment and retention.

The department is working in partnership with the nursing community to fill the position.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications (709) 729-1377

2004 03 30                                    2:50 p.m.