Health and Community Services
August 19, 2011
New Medical Equipment Announced in Labrador West
The Provincial Government continues to improve the health care system in Labrador with strategic investments in medical equipment. Through funding of $643,600 provided in Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital in Labrador City will benefit from new capital equipment to enhance health care services in the region.
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined today by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services; Jim Baker, MHA for Labrador West; and, Eric Power, Vice-President of Finance and Corporate Services, Labrador-Grenfell Health for the announcement. In addition to today’s funding announcement, Premier Dunderdale marked the official opening of the new CT scanner in Labrador West, as well as the dialysis unit at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital.
“Advancing health care services in Labrador is a priority for our government,” said Premier Dunderdale. “The continued growth in Labrador West requires key investments in health care so that we can ensure everyone has access to essential medical care. This is evident from our government’s recent investments in this region including the ongoing development of the new hospital, installation of a CT scanner and the provision of dialysis services. Our investments in this region and throughout the province will continue to enhance access to our health care system for all residents.”
The funding provided to the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital will be used to purchase new medical equipment including:
- A haematology analyzer and backup;
- Coagulation analyzer and backup;
- Two sleep study recorders;
- Hearing aid analyzer;
- A non-invasive ventilator;
- Two gastroscopes;
- Maxi-move patient lift; and,
- Initial funding for a digital fluoroscopy room for x-ray services.
“Our government understands the value of having accessible health care services as close to home as possible,” said Minister Kennedy. “As we look to the future with the development of a new hospital in Labrador City, we are ensuring that residents have the necessary health care equipment and resources available to them today. Our priority as a government is to strive to continue to meet the health care needs of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Over the past several years, the Provincial Government has provided over $11 million to the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital, including today’s announcement, for capital equipment, repairs and renovations. These investments have been used to purchase critical items including a CT scanner and dialysis unit, which where officially opened today, as well as an ultrasound machine, digital mammography machine, anesthetic system, autoclave sterilizer, colonoscope, audiology booth, neonatal pediatric ventilation machine, bone density unit and renovations to accommodate the dialysis unit and to enhance patient room accessibility.
“With the growth that we have experienced in Labrador West, investments to improve health care services is essential,” said MHA Baker. “This government has responded to the needs of this community.”
Budget 2011 allocated $23.7 million towards the continued construction of a new regional health care facility in Labrador West, with substantial completion expected in late 2013 and facility occupancy planned for early 2014. This facility will represent an overall investment of approximately $90 million.
“There is a growing demand for health care services and in order to keep pace, it’s incumbent upon health authorities and governments to make the necessary investments in equipment,” said Mr. Power. “Labrador-Grenfell Health appreciates the continuous support we have received from the Provincial Government to enhance the provision of health care services.”
Budget 2011 furthered the Provincial Government’s commitment of advancing health infrastructure throughout the province with a total investment of $272.2 million, which includes $200.6 million for new and continuing construction and redevelopment projects, $50 million for new equipment and $21.6 million for repairs and renovations.
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Media contacts:
| Glenda Power Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 glendapower@gov.nl.ca |
Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 631-8477 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Alison Dower Regional Director of Communications Labrador-Grenfell Health 709-454-0128, 454-1205 alison.dower@lghealth.ca |
2011 08 19 3:50 p.m.