Health and Community Services
February 10, 2011

Tender Called for New Medical Facility to be Constructed in Jeffrey’s

A tender is being called for the construction of a new medical clinic in Jeffrey’s on the west coast of the province. In August 2010, the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced funding for repairs and renovations to the Jeffrey’s Medical Clinic. However, upon reviewing the scope of work required, it was determined that constructing a new facility, as opposed to renovating the existing building, is a better long-term solution.

Minister Kennedy was joined for today’s announcement in Jeffrey’s by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East; Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO of Western Health; and, John MacPherson, President of the Bay St. George South Area Development Association.

“Our government is pleased to be moving forward with the construction of a brand new medical clinic in Jeffrey’s,” said Minister Kennedy. “These types of facilities allow for the delivery of essential health care services in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. This new facility will better serve the residents of the area and the health care professionals working at the clinic.”

The clinic will be built on the site of the existing Jeffrey’s Medical Clinic and will include space to accommodate a physician’s office and examination rooms, office and clinic space for the public health and continuing care nurses, and secured waiting and reception areas. The new building will be accessible to people with mobility disabilities and meet all other current building codes. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2011.

The physician’s residence currently attached to the existing clinic will be renovated when the clinic portion of the building is removed. Renovations to the residence will include upgrades to the kitchen, the replacement of windows, siding, doors and shingles; as well as electrical and plumbing upgrades.

"I am pleased to see this important piece of new infrastructure that will continue to serve all residents from Heatherton to Highlands," said Minister Burke. "With its central location, this new modern facility will provide greater accessibility, security and enhanced services."

“We are delighted to receive this funding to help strengthen primary health care services in the Jeffrey’s area,” said Dr. Gillam. “The investment in a new clinic will enable us to continue to provide core health services to people as close to home as possible.”

In August 2010, Minister Kennedy also announced that the Bay St. George Long Term Care Home would receive $450,000 in funding for the completion of the roof replacement, an extension to the facility to allow for additional storage space, and funding for major repairs and renovations to the 30 seniors’ cottages. An additional $115,000 in funding was also provided for support services and resident care equipment.

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. Funding of over $950,000 was also provided for a new urology outreach program at the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville, as well as two grants through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grant program for $10,000 and $5,000 respectively for the Town of Kippens and the Sunshine Seniors 50+ Club in St. David’s.

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2011 02 10                                                       11:00 a.m.