July 26, 2011
Regional Health Care Services Enhanced in Gander
Significant infrastructure funding valued at over $3.3 million was announced today for the James Paton Memorial Health Centre and Lakeside Homes. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined for the announcement by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander; Karen McGrath, CEO, Central Health; and, Claude Elliott, Mayor of Gander.
“Our announcement today for upgrades to the James Paton Memorial Health Centre is an investment in the health of the residents of Gander and the entire region” said Minister Kennedy. “Clearly we see the value of this facility, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment valued at approximately $28 million, $5.5 million of which was allocated in Budget 2011.”
The James Paton Memorial Health Centre has been allocated $2.8 million for new capital equipment that will be used to purchase numerous pieces of medical equipment including bedside cardiac monitors, an ultrasound, a blood gas analyzer and backup, a maxi move patient lift, stretcher with x-ray capability, and an endoscope cleaner and reprocessor.
“Numerous investments in recent years in the James Paton Memorial Health Centre have ensured residents of the area have access to a first-class medical facility,” said Minister O’Brien. “Today’s announcement continues our commitment to quality care and will allow for the purchase of a variety of necessary equipment. Along with this, the investment in Lakeside Homes further helps to ensure a high standard of living for residents as well as important equipment which will help staff provide assistance.”
Lakeside Homes, the long-term care facility in Gander, is allocated $555,200 for equipment, repairs and renovations that will be used to purchase two resident mechanical lifts, a patient sit-to-stand lift, four patient floor lifts with powered positioning, three geriatric chairs, and two hygiene chairs. Upgrades will also be carried out to the emergency fire escape exits and to the facility’s flooring.
“We are very pleased by this announcement because the new equipment, upgrades and repairs, for both James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre and Lakeside Homes will enhance client care at both sites,” said Ms. McGrath. “Our partnership with government on initiatives such as this allows us to work together effectively towards our common goal – to enhance the provision of health care in this region.”
Over the past nine years, including the funding allocated in Budget 2011, the Provincial Government has invested over $20 million in the James Paton Memorial Health Centre and Lakeside Homes for capital equipment, repairs and renovations.
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador furthered the Provincial Government’s commitment of advancing health infrastructure across 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:
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca |
Paula Norman Executive Assistant to the Honourable Kevin O’Brien MHA for Gander 709-729-3053 paulamnorman@gov.nl.ca |
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Stephanie Power Director of Communications Central Health 709-256-5532 stephanie.power@centralhealth.nl.ca |
2011 07 26 11:15 a.m.