The Provincial Government has begun an
examination on how laboratory and X-ray services are
provided and is making changes to streamline and improve
services. Today, the Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of
Health and Community Services, announced that as part of
this assessment, and recent infrastructure investments,
there will be modifications in the future delivery of
laboratory and X-ray services in Lewisporte and Flower�s
Cove.
"The new construction and
redevelopment of healthcare facilities in these
communities have resulted in programming changes," said
Minister Oram. "Overall, we�re taking a look at
laboratory and X-ray services in the province to
determine the next steps to further improve quality and
service delivery in Newfoundland and Labrador."
In Budget 2009: Building on
Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government
invested $5 million for site infrastructure and to
redevelop the long-term care home in Lewisporte.
$500,000 will be invested to continue planning of a new
$9 million health centre in Flower�s Cove.
Residents in the Flower�s Cove area
requiring laboratory or X-ray work will access these
services at the Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony,
while those in the Lewisporte area will access services
at the James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander and the
Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand
Falls-Windsor. Blood collection services will continue
in Flower�s Cove and Lewisporte. The effective date of
this change will be announced later in the fall. The new
Flower�s Cove health centre will also operate on a
12-hour basis.
"This change in service delivery will
occur over time," said Minister Oram. "The intent of the
provincial assessment process is to build upon the
strong healthcare foundation we have in this province.
Also, to ensure a strong healthcare system tomorrow, we
need to take the steps today to keep us on course."
Budget 2009 provides an additional
$21.4 million to further enhance laboratory services in
the province. This investment builds upon the $54.3
million invested since 2007. In keeping with the
recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Hormone
Receptor Testing, the Provincial Government is also
moving forward with implementing recommendations
regarding laboratory accreditation.
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