Executive Council
Health and Community Services
October 20, 2015

Securing Health Infrastructure to Support Families and Communities

Premier Officially Opens New Oncology Suite in Labrador West

The Provincial Government today officially opened the new oncology suite at the Labrador West Health Centre. The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by Nick McGrath, MHA for Labrador West, and Ozette Simpson, Chief Operating Officer of Labrador-Grenfell Health, for the event.

"Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested a total of approximately $1.4 billion in health care funding for Labrador. Our commitment to ensure the long-term health and well-being of residents in Labrador West continues through the opening of a new oncology suite at the Labrador West Health Centre. We are standing strong in our commitment to support Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and their families in their fight against cancer."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Located at the Labrador West Health Centre, the new oncology suite features two chemotherapy lounge chairs and dedicated washrooms. The suite also includes an observation office and other enhancements to support treatment for residents and their families.

"The Labrador West Health Centre including the new oncology suite brings the best of what we have to offer in health care delivery directly to the residents of Labrador. As part of our government's continued commitment to support individuals and families dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatment, this suite has been upgraded with new equipment and expansions that support a positive and therapeutic healing environment for patients and their families."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Development of the oncology suite was supported through an investment of approximately $450,000. The work was completed by Enercon Builders Incorporated. In addition to oncology and chemotherapy services, the Labrador West Health Centre provides access to services including emergency, outpatient, surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, respite, palliative care, physiotherapy, and mental health and addictions.

"I am very pleased to be able to join Premier Davis here today for the official opening of the Labrador West oncology suite. Patients who receive oncology services deserve to have a comfortable space while receiving their treatments. I am pleased to be part of a government that not only listens to the concerns of the people but acts upon these concerns. This state-of-the art suite will provide our residents with professional care in a relaxing setting."
- Nick McGrath, MHA for Labrador West

The new Labrador West Health Centre was made possible through $100 million in funding which has been provided to the region by the Provincial Government over the past decade. Funding has also helped with the purchase of new equipment and to support repairs and renovations at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital.

"Labrador-Grenfell Health worked closely with the Department of Health and Community Services to design a space that supported a positive and healing environment for our clients receiving treatment and their families. We thank staff and clients for their input towards the plan to enhance oncology services at the Labrador West Health Centre."
- Tony Wakeham, President and Chief Executive, Labrador-Grenfell Health

The Provincial Government is committed to the growth of healthy communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and continues its support for individuals and families affected by cancer throughout the province.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government today officially opened the new oncology suite at the Labrador West Health Centre.
• The new oncology suite features two chemotherapy lounge chairs, dedicated washrooms, an observation office and other enhancements to support treatment for residents and their families.
• Development of the oncology suite was supported through a Provincial Government investment of approximately $450,000. Work was completed by Enercon Builders Incorporated.
• Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested a total of approximately $1.4 billion in health care funding for Labrador and approximately $100 million has been invested in health care infrastructure in the region.

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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
Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Bridget Baker Constituency Assistant to Nick McGrath MHA for Labrador West 709-832-2531 bridgetbaker@gov.nl.ca
Allan Bock Regional Director of Communications Labrador-Grenfell Health 709-897-2351, 899-1568 allan.bock@lghealth.ca

2015 10 20                              2:40 p.m.