Health and Community Services
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
March 28, 2007

Tender to be Issued for Renovations for New Satellite Dialysis Unit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

A tender will be issued on Saturday, March 31, to renovate existing space at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to house the new satellite dialysis unit. The Honourable John Hickey, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. Minister Hickey was joined by Boyd Rowe, CEO for Labrador-Grenfell Health for the announcement. The new unit will house four dialysis stations that can accommodate up to 16 patients on a six-day cycle.

"Government is committed to providing health care services to the residents of this province as close to their home as possible and to making strategic investments in health care infrastructure," said Minister Wiseman. "Once established, this new dialysis unit will enable residents of Labrador to receive treatment close to home, where they have the support of family and friends."

The new unit will not be able to serve some patients who are medically unstable or who have complex care needs. In addition, some patients can avail of dialysis treatments in their homes.

Minister Hickey said today�s announcement is an important step in moving forward with this project. "This vital equipment is long overdue for the people of Labrador," said Minister Hickey. "It is quite gratifying to be part of a government that will bring this service to the Big Land."

"Labrador-Grenfell Health is pleased with progress made in finalizing plans for the new satellite dialysis unit and we are anxious to get the new unit up and running to better serve the needs of the residents of Labrador," said Mr. Rowe. "I would like to acknowledge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its commitment to this project."

Government announced in March 2006 that it would establish new satellite dialysis units in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Burin and St. Anthony. The units are expected to be operational by March 2008.

This further demonstrates government�s commitment to investing in health care infrastructure in Labrador. Government also recently announced that it is proceeding with the site selection for a new 28-bed health facility in Labrador West. In addition, government is constructing a new 50-bed long term care facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Photo 1: Minister of Transportation and Works John Hickey along with Boyd Rowe, CEO of Labrador Grenfell Regional Integrated Authority.

Photo 2: Minister of Transportation and Works John Hickey with Greg Flowers Minister of Health and Social Development for Nunatsiavut, along with Dr. Micheal Jong of Labrador VP of medical services for Labrador Grenfell Regional Health Authority.

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Media contact:

Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca
 
David Salter
Director of Communications
Labrador Affairs
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca 
 

2007 03 28                               11:00 a.m.


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