Executive Council
Transportation and Works
Health and Community Services
November 27, 2017
Provincial Government Announces New Long-Term Care Homes for Central Newfoundland
The Provincial Government today announced that 60-bed long-term care homes will be built in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor, as well as a 20-bed expansion of the protective care unit in Botwood. Construction for all three projects will begin in 2019, meeting demand for long-term care and making better use of acute care beds in the central region.
In addition to providing greater accessibility to health care services, upwards of 200 public service employees will be required to staff the facilities. During construction, there will be more than 343 person-years of employment created and $39 million in economic activity.
In December, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be issued to establish a short list of private sector businesses that are interested in designing, building, financing and maintaining the new homes in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. To help facilitate the procurement process, EY will be engaged as Financial and Procurement Advisor.
The two new long-term care homes will complement the already existing beds at Lakeside Homes in Gander and Carmelite House in Grand Falls-Windsor. It is expected that Lakeside Homes will require additional upgrades in the coming years. In consideration of this, the Provincial Government will develop options to replace Lakeside Homes.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a design consultant for the extension to the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood will be issued in early 2018. Protective care units provide specialized care in a safe, secure setting for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other similar disorders. Expanding the protective care unit builds on the already recognized physician leadership and strong staff trained in the area of dementia care at the health centre.
Providing residents with high-quality care in modern facilities is one of more than 50 initiatives included in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2017 included $4.6 million to increase long-term care capacity in central Newfoundland and Corner Brook.
Quotes
“Our government is taking significant steps towards improving the accessibility of health care in the central region of Newfoundland and Labrador. The projects announced today reflect the progress that we are making in our province wide approach to supporting the health care needs of families and communities while balancing the province’s fiscal situation.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Ensuring the best value for taxpayers’ dollars is important as government balances reducing the province’s deficit while building much-needed public infrastructure. By partnering with the business community, we ensure government can provide essential services in a cost-effective manner.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works
“Increasing capacity in long-term care will ease pressure on the health system and ensure the appropriate use of acute care beds. Today’s announcement will help to meet the rapidly growing demand for long-term care beds in these communities and address much needed priority services in the region.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“This is welcome news for many communities throughout central Newfoundland. Two new state-of-the art facilities, and the expansion of the protective care unit, will complement the quality care residents are receiving. This enables health officials to meet the demands of our aging population and allows our loved ones to stay close to their homes and families.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans
“The expansion of the Special Care Unit at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre will ensure that the increasing number of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia here in central Newfoundland receive the care they deserve, and will provide great comfort to families who can be assured a high quality of life in a safe, secure environment for their loved ones.”
Jerry Dean
MHA for Exploits
“Central Health has the fastest aging population in the province. Additional long-term care beds enhance our ability to provide a full and accessible range of healthy aging and long-term care supports and services to people from 177 communities.”
Rosemarie Goodyear
CEO of Central Health
- 30 -
Learn more
The Way Forward: A vision for sustainability and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador - thewayforward.gov.nl.ca/
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL 
, @TW_GovNL and @HCS_GovNL
Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Rod Drover
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
RodneyCDrover@gov.nl.ca
Emily Timmins
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 693-1292
EmilyTimmins@gov.nl.ca
Kristina George
Government Members Office
709-729-5306, 693-7488
kristinageorge@gov.nl.ca
Gaitane Villeneuve
Central Health
709-293-0542
Gaitane.Villeneuve@centralhealth.nl.ca
2017 11 27 1:30 p.m.