Transportation and Works
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Health and Community Services
February 12, 2007

Government Moving Forward with New Health Centre for Labrador West

The process of constructing a new health centre for Labrador West took another step forward today with the selection of a consultant to undertake site investigation in the area.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today that Terpstra Engineering Ltd., Happy Valley-Goose Bay, will review up to a total of six sites in Labrador City and Wabush.

"The Williams government continues to fulfill its promises to the people of Labrador and make investments in the region previously unseen," said Minister Hickey.

"We recognize the importance of this health-care facility to the area and we are proud to see this project start to take shape."

Minister Hickey points out this health centre is one of many health care initiatives spearheaded by the Williams government in the past year.

"In Budget 2006, we announced funding for the detailed design work on a new 50-bed long-term care facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay," said Minister Hickey. "This facility will replace the existing nursing home which is over 30 years old and not designed for persons with high-care needs.

In addition, a new satellite dialysis unit for Happy Valley-Goose Bay was also announced in Budget 2006 and is proceeding on schedule."

Minister Wiseman says government�s pledge to improve provincial health care is unwavering.

"Government is committed to upgrading health care infrastructure across the province where there is a demonstrated need," said Minister Wiseman. "Proceeding with the site selection for a new health care facility in Labrador West moves us one step closer to enhancing the delivery of health care services for the people of this region."

As part of the site selection process, Terpstra Engineering will review municipal infrastructure and engage in preliminary testing of various sites to assess subsurface conditions.

Government anticipates site preparatory work could commence in late-May, early June.

Government announced it would proceed with planning for a new health centre in Labrador West in Budget 2006, following the recommendations of a health care needs assessment completed for the Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority.

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Media contacts:

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


2007 02 12 4:15 p.m.
 


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