Over $700,000 to Support Health Care on Labrador’s South Coast

Seven health centres and community clinics on the south coast of Labrador have received over $700,000 for new equipment, infrastructure and maintenance through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future. These investments, which were announced by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, in Forteau today, reflect the Provincial Government’s commitment to provide a strong health care system that is responsive to families and communities.

“The importance of providing accessible health care services to families is at the top of our list of priorities,” said Minister Sullivan. “Ensuring that services are available in rural and isolated communities is essential to the people who call it home. All of our residents are entitled to timely health care and we are proud of the investments we have made on the south coast and throughout Labrador.”

The communities of Forteau, Black Tickle, Cartwright, St. Lewis, Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour and Charlottetown are all benefiting from the funding. Highlights of the announcement include new laboratory, telehealth and snow clearing equipment, and infrastructure and accommodations improvements for health care workers.

“Health services are important to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, especially those who live in rural communities far from larger health centres, and it is important that we provide the best possible service to these areas of the province,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “In funding these improvements and upgrades, we are providing the needed support to ensure that patients and health care workers in Southern Labrador can continue to live and work comfortably in their communities.”

Since 2004, approximately $5.1 million has been provided for health care equipment, repairs and renovations to support families in communities on the south coast of Labrador.

“These capital equipment purchases will enhance the delivery of services to our clients in communities from L’Anse au Clair to Cartwright,” said Tony Wakeham, CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health. “These investments will also improve working conditions for our staff who provide the services and signal an increased commitment to using technology to bridge the challenges posed by geography and transportation.”

Budget 2013 allocates approximately $3 billion for the provision of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2013 05 27                              4:30 p.m.