Enhancements on the Way for Long-Term Care in Lewisporte

The re-development of North Haven Manor in Lewisporte is set to begin, with a tender call being the first step towards enhanced long-term care services for the region. The Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today that a tender is being issued.

�Strengthening infrastructure is vital to ensuring sustainable health care services over the long term,� said Minister Oram. �Our vision for the renewal of long-term care in the Lewisporte area will enable residents in these communities for generations to come to avail of services close to home and remain near their families.�

As part of the Provincial Government�s unprecedented infrastructure spending this year, Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation earmarked $76 million for investments in health care facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including $5 million for site infrastructure and to start redevelopment at the long-term care home in Lewisporte. This first tender call is for site infrastructure including water, sewer and electrical, as well as for the construction of a service building.

�I am extremely pleased tenders are being called and site work will soon commence on this project,� said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. �The people of Lewisporte district will benefit significantly from this investment by our government into the health and well being of our seniors.�

�This is one of many infrastructure enhancements that we are making in health care and other facilities across Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Oram. �In addition to revitalizing facilities in many rural areas of our province, we are also bringing economic benefits to these communities as the construction proceeds.�

The Provincial Government�s infrastructure strategy is valued at more than $4 billion over the next several years, with projects totaling $1.6 billion being tendered this fiscal year, creating an estimated 15,000 jobs (some seasonal) and providing significant economic stimulus to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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