Health and Community Services
September 2, 2015

Investing in Health Care for Communities and Families

Approximately $2.5 Million Invested to Enhance Health Care Services in Western Region

Health care services in the western region of the province will be strengthened through an investment totalling approximately $2.5 million for infrastructure upgrades and new equipment for facilities in Corner Brook.

"In Newfoundland and Labrador, we have a well-developed health care system. As a government, we appreciate the importance of investments in infrastructure and equipment upgrades to sustaining the high level of health services being delivered in this province. We also know that investments of this nature help families decide where they want to live and complement activities outlined in the Population Growth Strategy."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook will receive over $2.4 million with around $350,000 for upgrades.

Approximately $2 million will be used to purchase equipment for Western Memorial Regional Hospital including:

• Replacement of the critical care monitoring system which services the intensive care unit and the emergency room;
• Pacemakers and generators for the intensive care unit;
• Storage units for endoscopic equipment;
• New cardiac telemetry monitoring packs for the emergency department which will help facilitate patient flow;
• Upgrading of the automated medication dispensing equipment;
• Case carts for surgery;
• Orthopedic equipment to replace frequently used surgical tools; and
• An active - passive exerciser for the physiotherapy department.

"These investments in health care facilities and equipment will benefit everyone in Corner Brook and the entire west coast region. Our government has made significant investments to strengthen critical public services and infrastructure and these investments are just the latest examples of our commitment to making sure the people of the province have access to quality health care and other public services throughout the province."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for the District of Humber West

Through an allocation of $36,500, the Corner Brook Long Term Care Home will purchase new geriatric chairs as well as various food services equipment for the restorative care unit.

"This significant government investment in the Corner Brook area health care facilities will positively impact the residents of Corner Brook and surrounding area. This investment will go a long way to help improve patient care in our local health system and will be an added incentive in the recruitment of medical professionals to our region. We are very appreciative of government's commitment to the health, wellness and balance of our citizens."
- Charles Pender, Mayor of the City of Corner Brook

Budget 2015 includes a total of $133.7 million to ensure access to new and modern health care facilities and equipment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including $40 million for new health care equipment and $20 million for repair and renovation projects.

QUICK FACTS

• Health care on the province's west coast will be strengthened through an investment of approximately $2.5 million for infrastructure upgrades and new equipment.
• Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook will receive over $2.4 million with around $350,000 for upgrades. Approximately $2 million will be used to purchase equipment for Western Memorial Regional Hospital
• The Corner Brook Long Term Care Home will purchase new geriatric chairs as well as various food services equipment for the restorative care unit.
• Budget 2015 includes a total of $133.7 million to ensure access to new and modern health care facilities and equipment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including $40 million for new health care equipment and $20 million for repair and renovation projects.

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Glenda Belbin Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Vaughn Granter MHA for Humber West 709-637-4056 glendabelbin@gov.nl.ca
Bonita Decaire Information Officer City of Corner Brook 709-637-1662 bdecaire@cornerbrook.com

2015 09 02                              11:05 a.m.