In keeping with the Provincial Government�s commitment to upgrade and modernize long-term care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced that two new long-term care homes will be built in St. John�s.

"Today marks another important step in our government�s strategic vision for long-term care in this province, where Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to quality services and programming in homes that can meet their needs," said Minister Wiseman. "We have listened and responded to the voices of residents and their families who have asked for more modern homes and improved living environments."

Two new homes will replace the Hoyles/Escasoni Complex. A $1 million investment has been allocated this fiscal year to begin planning. The new homes will accommodate residents with high care and complex care needs. The work to identify potential sites for the homes has begun.

"It is necessary for us to replace the Hoyles-Escasoni complex which is out-dated, requires many improvements and is simply not designed to best meet the needs of individuals who require long-term care," added Minister Wiseman. "These new homes will help us support seniors and others with long-term care needs in the most appropriate environment."

This initiative follows the Provincial Government�s investment of $110 million in the construction of three new long-term care homes in Clarenville, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which are all in various stages of completion.

This announcement is in keeping with the directions of the Healthy Aging Policy Framework, launched in July 2007, and complements the Provincial Government�s vision of a supportive, age-friendly province which enables seniors to live as independently as possible with the appropriate supports and to experience good health and well-being.

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Media contact:

Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
glendapower@gov.nl.ca

2008 10 16                                                     1:35 p.m.