Today's funding includes $160,000 to begin upgrades to
the domestic hot water distribution system; $120,000 to complete the
replacement of the nurse call system; $60,000 for bed replacements;
approximately $36,000 for the purchase of cardiac equipment; nearly
$18,000 for a new refrigerator in the blood bank; and, $3,500 for
modernization of transfer switches.
"This financial investment is very welcome news for
both patients and staff in Bonavista's acute and long-term care
settings," said Ms. Coish-Snow. "It will address a wide spectrum of
needs, including the emergency care and comfort of patients, the
efficiency of staff response and the safe storage of vital blood
products."
Since 2003, the Bonavista Peninsula Health Centre has
received approximately $2.2 million in Provincial Government funding for
capital equipment, repairs and renovations. This includes nearly
$575,000 for new equipment such as an x-ray machine, defibrillators,
cardiac equipment, upgrades to the nurse call system, the replacement of
beds, and other patient care and support equipment. Approximately $1.6
million was invested in repairs and renovations, including roof repairs
and replacement, extensions to the sprinkler system, upgrades to the
domestic hot water system, new windows and exterior retaining walls,
replacement of the emergency generator, and a new fire alarm system.
"The Bonavista Peninsula Health Centre provides acute
and long-term care to 28 communities on the Bonavista Peninsula with a
population of approximately 14,000 people," said the Honourable Roger
Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South. "This announcement for upgrades and
repairs, along with the welcome news in Budget 2010 of $1.7 million for
a new protective care unit, is a testament to our government's
commitment to deliver quality health care to rural areas of the
province."
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our
Children and Our Future
includes a significant investment of $208.9
million for health care infrastructure throughout the province,
including $177.3 million for new facilities and equipment and $31.6
million for repairs and renovations. This includes $1.7 million to
develop a 13-bed protective community residence bungalow in Bonavista,
which will offer a new model of residential and community care designed
to promote independence and improve the quality of life for individuals
with mild to moderate dementia and their families.
-30-
Media contacts:
