Significant Health Care Investments Announced in Grand Falls-Windsor

Health care services in Grand Falls-Windsor and the surrounding region will be enhanced through an investment of approximately $3.4 million by the Provincial Government. This funding has been allocated for capital equipment, repairs and renovation projects at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and Carmelite House. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement today at the health centre.

“The Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and Carmelite House play an essential role in meeting the health and long-term care needs of residents living in the Grand Falls-Windsor region,” said Minister Sullivan. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s continued commitment to enhancing access and providing quality health care services for people throughout the province. I am pleased to be a part of a government that recognizes the importance of rural health care services and these investments will strengthen those services for the people of this region.”

The Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre is receiving approximately $1.1 million for capital equipment including:

• $250,000 for an echocardiography ultrasound machine;
• $200,000 for two endoscopy reprocessing cleaners;
• $140,200 for a meal delivery system;
• $125,000 for five wound care machines; and,
• $59,000 for 11 electric patient beds.

Approximately $2.2 million has been allocated to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre to upgrade the electrical system, complete a roofing replacement at the facility, installation of a fall arrest system and planning for relocation of the dialysis unit. Carmelite House will receive $60,000 for the purchase of EKG machines and repairs to a retaining wall.

"Today’s announcement of medical equipment and infrastructure for the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre is a significant investment in health care for the central region,” said Karen McGrath, CEO, Central Health. “We are pleased to partner with the Provincial Government in our common goal to provide quality programs and services to the citizens of central region.”

Over the past nine years the Provincial Government has invested approximately $29.5 million for enhancements to health care facilities in the Grand Falls-Windsor region. This funding has provided for a new CT machine, diagnostic imaging equipment, a mammography unit, the installation of a nurse call system, and pharmacy upgrades at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and renovations to increase bed capacity at Carmelite House. In addition, since 2009 approximately $30 million has been allocated for the redevelopment of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre.

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2012 07 20             9:50 a.m.