Executive Council
Health and Community Services
March 13, 2015

Providing Effective Health Solutions for Families and Communities

Premier Davis Announces Enhanced Kidney Dialysis Services in Central

Plans to introduce kidney dialysis treatment on Fogo Island and enhanced services in the greater central region were announced today by the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Under the plan, residents who are medically suited will be able to access dialysis treatment on Fogo Island with the option of transitioning to home-based treatment. Premier Davis was joined by the Honourable Derek Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame, and Rosemarie Goodyear, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Health, for the announcement.

"Government recently held a series of province-wide consultations on primary health care and by far one of the most prominent issues raised by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians was the issue of access to services. Today's announcement represents our continued commitment to high-quality health care services for residents across the province."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The enhancements announced today to the Provincial Kidney Program will benefit residents on Fogo Island and in the greater central region. Two registered nurses - one on Fogo Island and another in the mainland central region are being designated to provide assistance, training and support to dialysis patients.

"I am proud to join the Premier today as we announce this innovative new solution for residents who need better access to dialysis treatment. I am pleased to see these resources being allocated for the people of Fogo Island and the central region and I look forward to seeing their successful implementation in the coming months."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame

Over time, patients who are able to transition to assisted or home-based care will now have the option to do so, providing a much more cost-effective dialysis service for patients who would otherwise incur time and travel costs to receive care.

"Access is outlined in Central Health's strategic plan as one of our top three priorities and we are pleased to work with the Provincial Government on this initiative which supports that strategic direction. These enhancements to dialysis services on Fogo Island and in the central region will certainly increase access for patients through a client-centred approach."
- Rosemarie Goodyear, Chief Executive Officer, Central Health

These new additions to the Provincial Kidney Dialysis Program will be implemented by July of this year.

QUICK FACTS

• New resources for kidney dialysis treatment on Fogo Island and the greater central region were announced today.
• Residents will soon be able to access dialysis treatment on Fogo Island with the option of transitioning to home-based treatment.
• Two registered nurses are being designated to provide additional assistance training and supporting dialysis patients as they transition to new, more user-friendly dialysis services.
• Over the past decade, the Provincial Government has invested nearly $1.5 billion in health care infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709 729 3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca	Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709 729 3551 Donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca	Deborah Chaulk Constituency Assistant to Honourable Derrick Dalley MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame 709-884-1226 DeborahChaulk@gov.nl.ca
Stephanie Power Director of Corporate Communications Central Health 709-256-5532 stephanie.power@centralhealth.ca

2015 03 13                              1:05 p.m.