Health and Community Services
October 1, 2010Communities in
The Isles of Notre Dame to Receive Health Care Funding
Support for community health care continues throughout
the province as the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and
Community Services, announced over $1.2 million for equipment and
repairs in health care facilities located in Twillingate, New World
Island, Fogo Island and Change Islands. Minister Kennedy was joined in
Twillingate today by Derrick Dalley, MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame and
Heather Brown, Vice-President of Rural Health, Central Health.
"For residents living in the rural parts of our
province, frontline health care often begins in the communities they
call home," said Minister Kennedy. "It is vital to maintain and update
structures and equipment in the communities located in this region so
that we sustain a consistent and high level of care for the users of our
health care system."
The Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre in
Twillingate will receive $504,000 for repairs and renovations to the
roof, exterior brick work and flooring. An additional $224,200 is
allocated for capital equipment that includes a new lab analyzer, drug
carts, emergency defibrillator/monitor and a nurse monitoring system.
The New World Island Health Centre will be provided
$300,000 for clinic upgrades to increase the number of physician exam
rooms, create additional space for community health program staff and
for occupational health and safety improvements. Further funding of
$20,000 will be provided for the purchase of a new
defibrillator/monitor.
The Fogo Island Health Centre will receive $89,700 for
capital equipment, including a new lab analyzer, two
defibrillators/monitors, drug carts, x-ray cassettes and recreation
equipment.
The Change Islands Health Centre will receive $60,000
to upgrade the storage and filing capabilities, which will enhance
confidentiality, functionality, and ergonomic improvement in the nurse
practitioner and physician offices. This funding will also result in
improvements to the clerical and waiting area, parking lot and
occupational health and safety matters. An additional $30,600 will be
invested for the purchase of a new electrocardiogram machine, lab
centrifuge and intravenous pump.
"Investments to improve our health care facilities
will support our health professionals as they deliver quality service
and care," said MHA Dalley. "These investments reflect our government's
commitment to rural health issues in The Isles of Notre Dame area and
will ensure that residents continue to get quality healthcare in the
region."
"Central Health is committed to providing quality
health care services throughout our region and this investment by
government will go a long way in helping do that," said Karen McGrath,
CEO, Central Health. "Residents of The Isles of Notre Dame will benefit
from these new investments."
Today's announcement was followed by a tour of the
Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre and a visit to the New World
Island Health Centre. On Thursday evening, Minister Kennedy and Mr.
Dalley toured the Change Islands Health Centre.
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our
Children and Our Future
provided an investment of $208.9 million for
health care infrastructure throughout the province, including
investments in new construction, redevelopment of existing facilities,
purchase of new medical equipment and repairs and maintenance. From
2003-04 to 2009-10, approximately $2.6 million has been invested in this
region for equipment, repairs and renovations. In May 2010, a funding
grant of $9,000 was provided under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and
Labrador Grants Program for the New World Island 50+ Club to offer
special events, including educational sessions and social opportunities
aimed at enhancing the social inclusion and independence of seniors.
