Contract Awarded for Harbour Breton Dialysis Site

A contract worth $1.8 million has been awarded for the development of the new dialysis site at the Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre in Harbour Breton.

“Our government made a commitment to the people of the Connaigre Peninsula to provide dialysis services in their region, close to their homes,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “I am very pleased to see this project move into the next phase. Our government has made significant investments in dialysis, and when this new site becomes operational it will be the 15th in the province, more than doubling the number of provincial dialysis sites since 2004.

There are approximately 12 residents of the Connaigre Peninsula region who are currently using hemodialysis services in Grand Falls-Windsor. When the Harbour Breton unit becomes operational, those who meet the medical criteria will no longer have to commute or relocate to access this specialized service.

“This new dialysis unit will significantly improve the quality of life for the people in this region currently travelling for dialysis treatments,” said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune. “I am pleased to be a part of a government that is responsive to the people of our province, and I look forward to seeing the completion and implementation of this new service.”

The contract awarded to Noble’s Construction Ltd. of Springdale includes the construction of a 2,900 square foot extension to the Connaigre Peninsula Health Care Centre. Once complete, the site will have six dialysis stations that will be capable of accommodating up to 24 patients on a six-day cycle.

“Shared commitments and partnerships are integral to the ability of Central Health to achieve success and to provide quality health and community services and programs which respond to the identified needs of clients,” said Karen McGrath, CEO Central Health. “This dialysis site will certainly enhance our ability to provide a much needed service for people in this region.”

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $189 million for the provision of dialysis services in the province. There are 14 dialysis sites throughout the province, seven of which were established over the past nine years in Burin, Carbonear, Gander, St. Anthony, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador West and Port aux Basques. This has increased the provincial patient capacity from 340 patients on hemodialysis at seven sites to 520 patients at 14 sites throughout the province.

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2012 11 28                              11:45 a.m.