July 20, 2012
Funding Announced for Medical Facility in Botwood
The Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood will receive approximately $717,500 in infrastructure upgrades and new medical equipment through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future.
The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits, and Karen McGrath, CEO of Central Health, for today’s announcement.
“The Provincial Government recognizes the need to invest in new medical equipment and infrastructure upgrades for health care facilities throughout the province,” said Minister Sullivan. “The Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre provides long-term care and emergency health care services for people in the Botwood region. Our investment today demonstrates our continued commitment to making strategic investments in health and long-term care services throughout the province to meet the needs of residents.”
A total Provincial Government investment of approximately $600,000 has been allocated for repairs and renovations at the health centre including a new nurse call system, upgrades to the HVAC system and upgrades to the delivery of medical gas, including oxygen. An additional $117,500 will be provided to purchase medical equipment including electric patient beds, bathing systems, an exam table, and an automatic blood pressure monitor with pulse oximeter.
“I am very pleased to see that our government places an emphasis on supporting rural health care in our province,” said Mr. Forsey. “This health centre plays a significant role in providing care to the residents of Botwood and surrounding communities. The long-term care beds help keep residents of this region close to their homes and families and the outpatient and emergency services provide accessible and important health care for everyone.”
Since 2004, approximately $3.5 million has been invested in repairs, renovations, and capital equipment for the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre including the installation of a new sprinkler system, upgrades to light, power, and water systems, the purchase of a new x-ray system, meal delivery system and chemistry analyzer.
"This health centre provides important health services to the people of this area," said Ms. McGrath. "Through the upgrades and equipment announced for this facility today, including the provision of a new nurse call system, we are supporting patient safety and access to quality services for the residents of Botwood and area.”
The Provincial Government invests approximately $600 million in long-term care and community support services each year. Close to Home: A Strategy for Long-Term Care and Community Support Services, a 10-year strategy to guide and transform the delivery of long-term care in Newfoundland and Labrador was released in June 2012 to revitalize and strengthen long-term care services throughout the province.
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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 |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551 TessBurke@gov.nl.ca |
Stephanie Power Director of Communications Central Health 709-256-5532 stephanie.power@centralhealth.nl.ca |
2012 07 20 11:55 a.m.