Health and Community Services
October 27, 2014
Strengthening Health Care for Families and Communities
Western Region Receives $3.7 Million for Enhanced Health Care Services
Health care services in the western region of the province will be enhanced through an investment of over $3.7 million for facilities in Corner Brook. The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Humber West, and Dr. Susan Gillam, President and Chief Executive Officer for Western Health, for the announcement today.
“Our government is committed to ensuring better health, better care and better value for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This investment demonstrates our continued dedication to supporting increased access to health care services in western Newfoundland. By building upon our past accomplishments and looking to the future as we develop the new regional hospital, we will continue to provide top quality health care for children, families and communities in this region.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Nearly $3.5 million is allocated to purchase equipment for Western Memorial Regional Hospital, including specialized beds and chairs for geriatric and acute care patients, medication carts, upgrades to the CT scanner, and diagnostic and surgical equipment. In addition, re-design and renovations will be made to the endoscopy scope cleaning room to improve cleaning practices and increase patient safety.
“This funding will see patients, staff, and visitors benefit from new equipment, repairs and renovations at several health care facilities in Corner Brook. As we pursue upgrades to the health care infrastructure in the western region, residents can continue to have confidence in our system of care and in the health services and programs we provide across the province.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Humber West
Two additional facilities have received upgrades in Corner Brook. An investment of $200,000 has been made for roof repairs to Monaghan Hall, the residence for students enrolled at the Western Regional School of Nursing, and $75,000 has been invested for the Humberwood Treatment Centre for exterior landscaping improvements and address repairs to the facility’s roof.
“Investments in health care equipment are incredibly important to assist us in ensuring that our patients have the best experience possible during their care and treatment at Western Health. We are pleased to partner with the Provincial Government to support these important areas that require investment.”
- Dr. Susan Gillam, President and Chief Executive Officer, Western Health
The Provincial Government recently announced $17 million towards the ongoing development of a new regional hospital and long-term care facility in Corner Brook. This past summer, contracts were awarded to the Corner Brook Care Team to develop two design packages for the facilities, and to Marine Contractors and Brook Construction for site preparation. Construction is anticipated to begin on the long-term care facility in 2015 and the hospital in 2016.
Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested nearly $1.5 billion in health care infrastructure including over $189 million through Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook.
QUICK FACTS
- Health care centres in Corner Brook will be enhanced through an investment of over $3.7 million.
- An allocation of $3.4 for Western Memorial Regional Hospital will be used for the purchase of equipment and to renovate and re-design the endoscopy scope cleaning room.
- The roof of Monaghan Hall has been repaired and exterior grounds work and roof repairs have been conducted at the Humberwood Treatment Centre in addition to roof repairs.
- Contracts have been awarded to the Corner Brook Care Team, Marine Contractors and Brook Construction in the ongoing development of the new regional hospital and long-term care facility in Corner Brook.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Trudy Wells Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Vaughn Granter MHA for Humber West 709-637-4056 trudywells@gov.nl.ca |
|
Heidi Staeben-Simmons Director of Communications Western Health 709-637-5252 heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca |
2014 10 27 1:55 p.m.