Gander Benefits from a Significant Health Care Investment

Through a total investment of $2.3 million, the Provincial Government is making significant health care enhancements in the Gander region. The funding will be used for the purchase of new and replacement equipment and infrastructure upgrades at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre and Lakeside Homes.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, and Central Health CEO Karen McGrath for today’s announcement.

“Our substantial investment in the Gander region further demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the delivery of health care services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Sullivan. “Our government recognizes that residents of our province want quality health care provided as efficiently and effectively as possible. Through Budget 2012 we are showing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that we have heard them and are investing to ensure we continue to be leaders in the delivery of health care.”

James Paton Memorial Health Centre is receiving a total of $1.7 million for equipment and infrastructure upgrades, including:

• $316,000 for the replacement of colonoscopes, gastroscopes and a bronchoscope;
• $210,000 for a new ultrasound machine;
• $125,000 for five new wound care machines;
• $180,000 for upgrading of the electrical system and the installation of a new fall arrest system;
• $100,000 for a replacement bone density machine;
• $70,000 for mammography software, which complements the new mammography machine announced earlier this year for James Paton through an investment of $355,000; and,
• $56,000 for new and replacement cardiac and blood pressure monitoring equipment.

Budget 2012 includes a total investment of approximately $600,000 for infrastructure improvements at Lakeside Homes. The funding will provide for a new nurse call system to increase patient safety and a hot water boiler upgrade.

“Continued substantial investments in James Paton Memorial Health Centre and Lakeside Homes exhibit the continuous commitment by the Provincial Government to a quality health care system,” said Minister O’Brien. “New equipment and infrastructure upgrades will provide quality services that will benefit the residents of Gander and surrounding areas.”

Over the past nine years the Provincial Government has invested approximately $24 million for enhancements to health care facilities in the Gander region. This funding has provided for new diagnostic equipment, laboratory equipment, pharmacy upgrades at James Paton and resident room renovations at Lakeside Homes. In addition, since 2003-04 the Provincial Government has invested $17.2 million for the redevelopment of James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre.

“We are very pleased by this announcement because the new equipment for both James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre and Lakeside Homes will enhance client care at both sites,” said Ms. McGrath. “Our partnership with the Provincial 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.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity 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 18                                        2:30 p.m.