Executive Council
September 4, 2012
$1 Million in Funding for Health Care Facilities in Labrador
Three health care facilities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and area will benefit from a Provincial Government investment of more than $1 million through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity - Responsible Investments for a Secure Future. Today at the Labrador Health Centre, the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, provided details on how the funding will support infrastructure upgrades and the purchase of capital equipment for the region.
“Our government continues to make strategic investments in health care infrastructure and equipment across the province to enhance the health and well-being of residents,” said Minister Sullivan. “In total, we have invested nearly $33 million in health care facilities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the surrounding area since 2004 to improve access to vital health care programs and services.”
The Labrador Health Centre will receive $861,000 for the purchase of capital equipment including:
- $445,000 for an ultrasound machine;
- $86,000 for four ECG systems; and,
- $80,000 for laparoscopy equipment.
“Labrador is preparing for unprecedented growth as we see the surge in our energy and resource sectors,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Our Northern Strategic Plan is considered a living document evolving with the changing needs of Labradorians and the Provincial Government will continue to make investments in health care in the region particularly during this time of development.”
The Mani Ashini Community Clinic serving Sheshatshiu and North West River and the Churchill Falls Community Clinic will each receive $16,500 for a cardiograph EKG machine. In addition, $4,000 is being invested to purchase a stair chair at the Churchill Falls facility.
“I am proud to see the continued dedication on behalf of our government to invest in necessary equipment upgrades for the Labrador region,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “This enhancement of health services will go a long way to better serving the needs of residents of Labrador.”
A further investment of $159,000 at the Labrador Health Centre will fund capital repairs and renovations. Of this funding, $134,000 will support upgrades to the facility’s safety and security systems, and $25,000 will fund the installation of a dialysis water treatment system.
“Labrador-Grenfell Health is pleased with the funding that has been allocated by the Provincial Government for the purchase of capital equipment at the Labrador Health Centre and the community clinics,” said Tony Wakeham, CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health. “The acquisition of modern medical equipment is key to supporting our mission of delivering accessible, quality care to the residents of Labrador. We also welcome funding to make improvements to our infrastructure at the Labrador Health Centre that are essential for preserving a safe environment.”
The Provincial Government has invested approximately $13 million for new capital equipment, repairs and renovations at health care facilities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and area since 2004. This funding has allowed for the development of a new chemotherapy suite at the Labrador Health Centre, and the purchase of a digital mammography machine; digital fluoroscopy unit; CT scanner; and, dialysis equipment for the facility. An additional investment of $20 million funded the construction of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Long-Term Care Home which opened in 2010.
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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 |
Carol Ann Carter Director of Communications Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Labrador Affairs 709-729-1674, 631-9505 carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551 TessBurke@gov.nl.ca |
Alison Dower Regional Director of Communications Labrador-Grenfell Health 709-454-0128, 454-1205 alison.dower@lghealth.ca |
2012 09 04 9:50 a.m.