Over $1.1 Million in Funding Announced for Medical Facilities in the Stephenville Region

Health care services in the Stephenville region will be strengthened through a Provincial Government investment of more than $1.1 million. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East; Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port; and, Catherine McDonald, Vice President, Professional Practice and Chief Nursing Officer, Western Health, for today’s announcement.

“Our government has invested over $1 billion in health care infrastructure throughout the province since 2004,” said Minister Sullivan. “We continue to invest in critical areas such as repairs, renovations, and new equipment to ensure the delivery of vital health care services. The residents of the Stephenville region who will benefit from improved access and enhancements to these facilities.”

The Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville will receive a total investment of $725,300 for the purchase of new capital equipment including:

• $257,300 for an ultrasound unit;
• $151,000 for colonoscopes, gastric scopes, and urology scopes; and,
• $60,000 for stretchers for the gynecology unit.

The Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre will receive $12,500 for the purchase of two defibrillators and a therapeutic patient mattress.

"This announcement today will be welcomed by all residents of the region,” said Minister Burke. “Continuing to maintain and improve our health care services is a priority for this government, and I am pleased to see once again, an investment that will benefit the people of the Bay St. George region."

Through an investment of $400,000, an integrated nursing communication link will be installed at the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre and upgrades will be made to the centre’s resident areas and laundry space. An additional $35,000 will fund renovations to create new office and treatment spaces at the Community Health office located on Montana Drive in Stephenville.

“I am pleased to see continued significant investments being made to health care in the Bay St. George, Stephenville and Port au Port region” said Mr. Cornect. “Today’s announcement is a further demonstration of our government’s commitment to providing quality health care to our residents. The upgrades and equipment being funded by our government to both the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital and the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre will benefit the residents of the region for years to come.”

Over the past nine years, medical facilities in the Stephenville region have received a total capital equipment investment of $6.4 million. This funding has been used to purchase a new CT scanner, an x-ray unit, an equipment sterilization unit and urology equipment for the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital and a meal delivery system and ceiling track lifts for the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre.

“We are pleased with the Provincial Government’s continued investment in our facilities in the Stephenville area,” said Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO, Western Health. “This funding for capital equipment will enhance our ability to provide excellent health care to our patients, clients and residents.”

Over $3.5 million has also been made in the health care facilities in Stephenville and the surrounding area for new construction, repairs and renovations. This funding has been used to construct a new medical clinic in Jeffrey’s; renovate and add an extension to the medical clinic in Lourdes; repair the roof at the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre; and, redevelop the emergency and outpatient entrances and patient registration areas at the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital.

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2012 08 13                                 9:40 a.m.