Health and Community Services
March 20, 2013
Premier Announces $227 Million for New Hospital in Corner Brook
A strong vision and a diligent plan is coming to fruition today as the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, outlined a $227 million investment over the next three years to advance construction of a new regional acute care health facility in Corner Brook. Budget 2013 will allow for the significant advancement of the design of this important infrastructure project. The new hospital complex will provide vital health services to the residents of the western region for generations to come.
“From day one our government has not waivered in our commitment to construct a new hospital for the people of western Newfoundland and today I am proud to announce our investment of $227 million over the next three years to make this project a reality,” said Premier Dunderdale. “We have a strong vision for Newfoundland and Labrador and a pillar of that commitment is a solid health care system that is sustainable, responsive and meets the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Humber East, and Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West, joined Premier Dunderdale for today’s announcement.
The next phase of this project will finalize the design for the new hospital complex, which includes an acute care centre, a separate long-term care facility, with in-patient mental health services, and a hostel. The project is focused on meeting the health care needs in the region while balancing the need to construct in a sustainable, cost-effective manner. The complex will have a total of 260 beds. The Provincial Government will issue a Request for Proposals for professional design services by July of this year to complete the detailed design of the facilities. It is expected that construction will commence on the site in 2015.
“Our government is steadfast in its commitment to build a health care facility in the western region that will address the health care needs and demands not just for now, but well into the future,” said Minister Sullivan. “We must invest wisely to sustain our health care system and that responsibility is balanced with the recognition that we must continue to focus on critical infrastructure. Our investment proves that we are focused on providing the right care in the right place.”
Today’s investment builds on the review undertaken by Stantec, a leading engineering management company, to revise the Master Plan for the replacement of the Western Memorial Regional Hospital. Stantec’s process was an important due diligence step, one that has had a positive impact on the composition of the new facility and takes into consideration existing needs and future demands.
“Our comprehensive planning process for the new hospital in Corner Brook has ultimately been to the benefit of residents in the western region,” said Minister Marshall. “I am proud to be part of a government that places such emphasis on ensuring we have a solid plan in place for our children and grandchildren. This new hospital will be a testament to that drive and dedication.”
“I am very pleased to see that our government is making this investment in the new regional hospital,” said Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West. “This facility will ensure that strong health care services continue to be available to residents now and well into the future.”
This facility will be a flagship component of the existing health care services currently available in the western region, including Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville, Corner Brook Long-Term Care Facility and the Bay St. George Long-Term Care Facility.
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Photo 1: Premier Kathy Dunderale at an announcement regarding the new health care facility in Corner Brook, March 20, 2013.
Photo 2: Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West; Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services; Premier Kathy Dunderdale; and Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Humber West; at the announcement for a $227 million investment to advance construction of a new regional acute care health facility in Corner Brook, March 20, 2013.
Media contacts:
| Tracey Boland Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 697-3128 traceyboland@gov.nl.ca |
Blair Medd Communications Manager Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1399, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca |
Lary Wells Executive Assistant to the Honourable Tom Marshall MHA for Humber East 709- 729-4746, 709-632-9634 larrywells@gov.nl.ca |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551, 699-2402 tessburke@gov.nl.ca |
2013 03 20 10:10 a.m.