Minister announces renovations to upgrade Bay d�Espoir Medical Clinic

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne, along with Dave Diamond, CEO of Central Health, today announced that government will invest $200,000 to renovate the Bay d�Espoir Medical Clinic in St. Alban�s. The minister made the announcement at a news conference in St. Alban�s today.

"Government is committed to enhancing health care services in all regions of our province and today�s announcement reflects our commitment to the residents of the Connaigre Peninsula," said Minister Osborne. "Renovations to the Bay d�Espoir Clinic will result in increased space and improved services for the approximately 3,000 residents of St. Alban�s and surrounding areas, along with clinic staff."

Renovations to the clinic will include a 1,500 square foot expansion which will allow for the addition of two physician offices and three examination rooms. Renovations will also improve the air quality/ventilation system. Tenders will be called this month, with work to be completed later this year.

"I am very pleased that we are moving forward with improvements to Bay d�Espoir Medical Clinic," said Mr. Diamond. "As a client-focussed organization, we want to provide the best possible services in a safe and comfortable setting. Increasing the square footage and enhancing the air quality and ventilation system of the clinic is directly in line with our mandate."

Fifteen staff work at the clinic, including three physicians, three nurse practitioners, three nurses, one licensed practical nurse, one lab-x-ray tech, one lab assistant, two clerical staff and domestic staff. Clinic space is also utilized by several visiting health professionals, including a dentist, dietician, chiropractor and an ultrasound technician.

Government invested over $4.7 million in Budget 2006 to upgrade or plan for new health care infrastructure in Central Newfoundland, including $2.9 million to proceed with renovations to the old wing of the James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander; $1.2 million to complete construction of the new cancer clinic in Grand Falls-Windsor; and $600,000 to begin planning for a new 64-bed facility in Lewisporte. In addition, government invested $350,000 to renovate a new cancer centre in Gander, which officially opened in July.

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2006 08 03                                  12:00 noon