Government investing $3.1 million in cardiac care

Health and Community Services Minister Julie Bettney announced today that $3.1 million in new funding will increase the level of service provided by the province�s cardiac care program. The level of service required for cardiac care continues to increase and this new investment is a sign of government�s commitment to reduce wait times and wait lists for patients requiring cardiac surgery and cardiac catheterizations.

"The number of cardiac surgeries performed on a weekly basis over the past two years will have increased from 12 to 20 supported by an investment of $2.4 million by government in Budget 2001-2002," said Minister Bettney. "In total, since 1999, government has invested $7.2 million to increase the number of surgeries and to provide for patients to travel out of province to help address the wait list. The additional investment this year will further reduce wait times for cardiac surgery."

Additionally, $710,000 is being provided to increase the level of cardiac catheterizations. This money will be used to extend the operation of a second cardiac catheterization laboratory at the Health Sciences Centre from two days a week to five days.

"Although we have increased the number of cardiac surgeries and cardiac catheterizations in recent years, the number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians requiring cardiac care is increasing on an annual basis," said Minister Bettney. "We will continue to work with the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s to monitor the cardiac care program."

Media contact: Carmel Parsons, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2001 03 22             4:15 p.m.