The Provincial Government continues to make investments in community healthcare centres throughout the province as $319,200 in funding for the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre was announced today. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte-Springdale; Karen McGrath, CEO of Central Health; and, Gerry Burke, the Deputy Mayor of Baie Verte, at the health centre for today's announcement.

"The Williams Government is investing in key community healthcare centres throughout the province," said Minister Kennedy. "The Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre delivers essential services to this region. Through vital long-term care beds, outpatient and primary healthcare services, residents can avail of healthcare services close to their homes and communities. By renovating and investing in this facility we are ensuring a strong, accessible healthcare system for the future."

The funding includes $195,000 to go towards the creation of the Therapeutic Wander Garden Project which will enhance the protective care environment for long-term care residents with varying forms of dementia; $71,000 for the replacement of kitchen steamers, drug carts, IV pumps and audiology equipment; and, $53,000 for laboratory equipment including centrifuges.

"I am delighted that our government is continuing to make significant investments in community healthcare infrastructure," said Mr. Pollard. "It is reflective of our commitment to provide quality, accessible healthcare throughout the province. The Baie Verte Peninsula Health Care Centre delivers top-notch essential healthcare services that are vital to this region. The purchase of new equipment, renovations and repairs and the contribution towards the Therapeutic Wander Garden Project will certainly improve the environment for healthcare providers and patients alike."

The Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre has seven acute care and 19 long-term care beds which provide primary acute inpatient, emergency and outpatient services, basic laboratory and x-ray services, including ultrasound and long-term residential accommodations for elderly persons with high care needs.

"This investment by government into infrastructure and equipment will go a long way in helping Central Health fulfill its mandate of healthy people in healthy communities," said Ms. McGrath. "The addition of capital equipment for our facilities, as well as basic infrastructure improvements, will help us provide quality healthcare throughout the region."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provided an investment of $208.9 million for healthcare infrastructure throughout the province, including investments in new construction, redevelopment of existing facilities, purchase of new medical equipment and repairs and maintenance.

In Budget 2009, $955,000 was allocated to the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre for capital equipment, repairs and renovations including a new generator, ambulance and laboratory equipment.

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