Corner Brook Health Care Facilities to Receive New Equipment and Upgrades
Health care services in the Corner Brook region will be further enhanced through an investment of approximately $2.1 million for the purchase of capital equipment and renovations to Western Memorial Regional Hospital and the Corner Brook Interfaith Cottages. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East; Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West; and, Dr. Ken Jenkins, Vice President, Medical Services, Western Health, for today’s announcement.
“This is one of several health care funding announcements our government is making to improve health care services throughout the province,” said Minister Sullivan. “These facilities provide vital health and long-term care services to the residents of Corner Brook and surrounding communities. This funding will help ensure these services are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
Through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, approximately $1.8 million has been allocated for new capital equipment at Western Memorial Regional Hospital including:
“Our government continues to uphold its commitment to provide accessible health care services to all residents of our province,” said Minister Marshall. “These investments in the regional hospital and Interfaith Cottages will help improve services at these locations for the people of Corner Brook and the surrounding areas.”
In addition, the hospital will receive $200,000 for the renovation of three rooms for bariatric patients and the Corner Brook Interfaith Cottages will receive $75,000 for upgrades to walkways and the roadway.
“Investments in medical equipment and infrastructure are essential in providing timely care,” said Mr. Granter. “I am pleased to be a part of a government that places such high value on health care and continues to make investments to meet the needs of those who use our health care system. The investments announced today will positively impact the provision of services to the people of our region.”
Health care facilities in the Corner Brook region have received more than $38.6 million for new and replacement medical equipment since 2004. This includes the purchase of an MRI machine, a CT scanner, a multipurpose Digital Fluoroscopy unit, and the installation of an Electronic Health Records system at Western Memorial Regional Hospital.
“We are appreciative of the Provincial Government for their support for enhancements to Western Memorial Regional Hospital,” said Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO, Western Health. “This investment will help Western Health continue to purchase the necessary equipment to provide quality services for the benefit of the people in our region.”
Approximately $19.7 million has been invested over the last nine years for infrastructure upgrades to medical facilities throughout the region. This includes upgrades at Western Memorial Regional Hospital to air handling units and several hospital inpatient areas, roof repairs, new hot water boilers and systems, and for the renovation of eight washrooms to make them wheelchair accessible.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca |
Lary Wells Executive Assistant to the Honourable Tom Marshall MHA for Humber East 709-729-3811, 709-632-9634 larrywells@gov.nl.ca |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551 TessBurke@gov.nl.ca |
Heidi Staeben-Simmons Director of Communications Western Health 709-637-5252 heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca |
2012 07 23 9:35 a.m.