$3 Billion Investment Advances Health Care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians

Accessible health care remains a priority for the Provincial Government, with an investment of nearly $3 billion in Budget 2014 to help ensure better health, better care and better value for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This year’s investments include funding to increase access to vital health care services for children with autism and other developmental conditions, enhancements to dialysis, and expansion of prevention programs. 

“We are listening to the people of the province and focusing on areas we know will mean the most to them and their families. Through this investment of nearly $3 billion in Budget 2014 we will increase access to diagnostic and treatment services for children with autism and other developmental conditions, enhance dialysis services, and provide measures to prevent diseases. Our investment in health care is significant. We are making sure we are spending responsibly to provide services that are needed.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

Improving Access to Health Care Services
Budget 2014 provides meaningful improvements to increase access to health care services for all residents, especially to increase capacity for autism assessment and treatment and to reduce wait times for children with autism and other developmental conditions. Through an investment of $2 million this year, annualizing to $3.9 million in 2015-16, Budget 2014 will allow for the addition of 22 positions in the regional health authorities, increasing to 30 positions next year, including a Developmental Pediatrician at the Janeway, new speech language pathologists and new occupational therapists.

Other Budget 2014 investments to increase access to health care include: $1.5 million to establish a hemodialysis site in Bonavista; $500,000 to enhance the Provincial Home Dialysis Program to increase access for patients who meet certain criteria, meaning less travel away from home for treatment; and, $158,800 to expand the Newborn Screening Program to include Cystic Fibrosis.

Meeting Long-Term Care and Community Support Services Needs
Recognizing the need that exists, through Budget 2014 the Provincial Government is providing significant funding for long-term care and community support services with an investment of $61 million in new funding. This year a total of $695 million will be invested for the provision of long-term care and community support services.

Investing in Health Infrastructure
Budget 2014 allocates a total investment of over $189 million for infrastructure, which includes $119 million for continuing construction and redevelopment, $50.5 million for new equipment, and $20 million for repairs and renovations.

Improving Cancer Treatment and Care
Budget 2014 provides additional funding of $24 million to enhance the care and treatment of people with cancer, bringing the total investment to $172 million in cancer treatment and prevention since 2004. This includes $7.1 million for coverage of new drug therapies under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, including drugs to assist in the treatment of cancer.
 
For further details regarding Budget 2014 investments see Backgrounders: Investments to Increase Access and Enhance Long-Term Care, Cancer Treatment and Seniors Programming; and, Providing Significant Infrastructure Investments.

QUICK FACTS

• Budget 2014 includes nearly $3 billion in health care investments.
• Investments will increase access to diagnostic and treatment services for children with autism and other developmental conditions and increased dialysis capacity.
• $695 million is allocated in Budget 2014 to provide vital programming in long-term care and community support services throughout the province.
• Budget 2014 includes a total investment of over $189 million in infrastructure, which includes $119 million for continuing construction and redevelopment, $50.5 million for new equipment and $20 million for repairs and renovations.

- 30 -

• Backgrounder - Investments to Increase Access and Enhance Long-Term Care, Cancer Treatment and Seniors Programming
• Backgrounder - Providing Significant Infrastructure Investments

Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-4104
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca
 
2014 03 27            2:45 p.m.