New Medical Equipment and Facility Upgrades Announced for Botwood

The Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood will benefit from $926,700 in repairs, renovations and capital equipment. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined today by Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits; Karen McGrath, CEO, Central Health; and, Jerry Dean, Mayor of Botwood for today’s announcement.

“Providing new equipment and ensuring that rural health care facilities are maintained and upgraded is a priority for our government,” said Minister Kennedy. “The Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre provides critical health services to this area, and through our strategic investments this facility will continue to provide accessible and needed services as close to home as possible for the people of Botwood and nearby communities.”

Through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador $833,000 has been allocated for repairs, renovations and upgrades to the emergency light and power systems, water system and piping, upgrades or replacement of flooring and drywall, and replacement of the eaves.

“The residents of Botwood and the surrounding area rely upon the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre and its professional staff to provide essential, accessible health care services,” said MHA Forsey. “This significant investment is a testament to our government’s continued commitment to the provision of quality health care throughout rural areas of the province.”

The health centre will also benefit from $93,700 for capital equipment to refit the emergency rooms, and purchase a patient lift system, three power exam tables, a microscope, fridge and four geri-chairs.

"This health centre provides important health services to the people of this area," said Ms. McGrath. "Through upgrades to this facility and the provision of needed emergency room equipment announced today, we are effectively ensuring ongoing access to quality services in this portion of the region.”

Over the last several years the Provincial Government has invested over $2.8 million into the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre for equipment, repairs and renovations. Significant investments in health care infrastructure, equipment and upgrading throughout the province continued in Budget 2011 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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2011 07 22                                                                                   1:45 p.m.