Funding Announced for Medical Facilities in Baie Verte and La Scie

Health care services at the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre and La Scie Clinic will be enhanced with a total Provincial Government investment of $578,500. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined for the announcement by Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale, and Karen McGrath, CEO of Central Health.

“This announcement demonstrates our government’s continued commitment to investing in health care services in rural Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Sullivan. “By investing in infrastructure upgrades and capital equipment we strengthen our overall health care system and ensure that everyone has access to vital medical services as close to home as possible.”

A total investment of $341,100 has been allocated for infrastructure upgrades at the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre. The facility will receive $171,100 for a new communication and security system and $170,000 to upgrade the delivery of medical gas, including oxygen.

“I am pleased to see the health care investments our government has allocated for enhancements to facilities in the Baie Verte region,” said MHA Pollard. “This funding will help purchase important equipment and make vital safety upgrades for patients and staff in Baie Verte and La Scie.”

New medical equipment will be purchased for the facilities through an investment of $162,400. The Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre will receive $142,400 for equipment including an ultra centrifuge machine, vital sign monitors and new hospital beds. The La Scie clinic will receive $20,000 for a new EKG machine.

“These investments in medical equipment and infrastructure for the Springdale area support our goal to provide quality programs and services to the citizens of central region,” said Karen McGrath, CEO of Central Health. “We are pleased to partner with government to enhance the provision of health care for the people of Springdale and area.”

Minister Sullivan also announced today that $75,000 will be invested for the continued development of a Therapeutic Wander Garden on the grounds of the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre. This investment will fund the construction of a covered porch, additional walkways, development of a pond and landscaping. The garden will be a safe outdoor environment which will reduce the negative behavioural aspects associated with wandering for residents living with varying forms of dementia. The Provincial Government has provided a total of $270,000 since 2010 to develop this garden. Since 2003-04, the Provincial Government has invested over $4.4 million in health care facilities in the Baie Verte area for capital equipment, repairs and renovations.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future, provides a total investment of $230.5 million for health care infrastructure throughout the province, including investments in continuing construction and redevelopment, new medical equipment and repairs and maintenance.

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2012 07 17             3:15 p.m.