NLIS 1
July 4, 2005
(Executive Council)
(Health and Community Services)
Government invests $1.05 million
in medical equipment for Burin
Premier Danny Williams and Health and Community
Services Minister John Ottenheimer, along with Clyde Jackman, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister of Education and MHA for Burin-Placentia West, today
announced a $1.05 million investment toward a new CT Scanner to service over
23,000 residents of the Burin Peninsula. The Premier, Minister Ottenheimer and
Mr. Jackman joined Eastern Health Chair Joan Dawe and Cyril Dodge, Chairperson,
Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre
for the official announcement.
"Patients and care providers will see tremendous benefits from improved access
to new and expanded diagnostic technology," said Premier Williams. "A new CT
Scanner will improve our ability to recruit and retain physicians; allow
residents of the Burin Peninsula to travel less to obtain these important
services and further our commitment to improving access to key health services.
We are proud to partner with the health care foundation on such a worthwhile
endeavour."
"Strategic investments like these allow us to bring state-of-the-art treatment
options to patients closer to where they live," said Minister Ottenheimer. "It
demonstrates our commitment to give people better access to services that can
lead to better patient outcomes."
The $1.55 million initiative ($1.15 million capital investment for equipment and
$400,000 investment in one-time renovation costs) will be cost-shared with the
Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation (BPHCF) which has committed $500,000
towards the purchase and installation of the new CT Scanner.
"The Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation is committed to raising $500,000 for
this CT Scanner," said Cyril Dodge, chair of the foundation. "The lead sponsor
is CAW Local 20 at the Cow Head Kiewit Offshore Facility, Marystown. This
project was spearheaded by CAW members Henry Moores, Wayne Brake, President
David Locke and supported by Kiewit Offshore Ltd. On behalf of the foundation
board, I express congratulations and thanks to all CAW Local 20 members who are
so generously donating $5 per week for the CT Scanner. Likewise, our MHA Clyde
Jackman has been a strong supporter of this project and we thank him."
The new machine will be located in the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre and
will become operational in 2006. The scanner will deliver an expected 1,800
exams annually.
"This is an exceptional day for all residents of the Burin Peninsula as this new
equipment will service the entire peninsula. It reminds us of what we can
achieve when we focus on our entire area as a unique location," said MHA Jackman.
"It demonstrates that there are no limits to success when we work together for a
common purpose."
"This is an excellent example of the great work that can be achieved when we
work in partnership with our provincial government and our foundations," said
Eastern Health President and CEO George Tilley. "I'm so proud of this
announcement today and proud that as a new organization we are making great
strides in improving health care services in the more rural areas of the Eastern
Health region."
Premier Williams also announced that a community health needs assessment for the
Burin Peninsula would be completed. The needs assessment will allow Eastern
Health to gain a better appreciation for the health issues facing all the people
in this region, which in turn will serve as a basis for making future decisions
about health services in the region.
"Our government recognizes that rural areas such as the Burin Peninsula have
unique challenges in accessing appropriate primary health care and other health
services. We thank Eastern Health for their support in reviewing the health
services of the Burin Peninsula to determine how best to meet the health needs
of the region," added Premier Williams.
Today�s announcement enhances government�s recent Budget initiatives to reduce
patient wait times across the province. Budget 2005 provided over $23 million to
improve access to key services including MRI, CT, cardiac and other key
diagnostic procedures, surgeries, as well as cancer treatments.
There are currently 10 CT Scanners in the province located in St. John�s (3),
Carbonear, Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, St. Anthony
and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. With this new equipment, the province will have one
machine per 47,000 residents.
Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500;
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.caCarolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709)
729-1377, 682-5093
2005 07 04
9:45 a.m. |