New ambulatory care department at Carbonear General Hospital officially opened

Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith today officially opened the new ambulatory care department at Carbonear General Hospital. Minister Smith was joined by Mr. William Morrow, chair of the Avalon Health Care Institutions Board, and George Sweeney, Minister of Government Services and Lands and MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace district.

Over the past five years, the government has invested $1.7 million toward renovations at the Carbonear General Hospital. The renovations occurred in the emergency and out-patient departments as well as the general radiography and health records areas. They will also enable the hospital to accommodate new diagnostic imaging equipment including a new CT scanner and mammography equipment.

Minister Smith said the renovations will benefit both patients and staff. "With the renovations complete, patients will now have access to new diagnostic equipment along with improved privacy in patient treatment areas and additional space for family. As well, staff now have a more up-to-date and pleasant work environment," he said.

"This significant investment in facilities and technology puts Carbonear General Hospital on the leading edge of secondary health care services delivery in this province, and ensures the viability of the hospital in its role for many years to come," said Mr. Morrow.

"I am very pleased with the continued development of Carbonear General Hospital," said Minister Sweeney. "These projects contribute immensely to the standard of living and quality of life of citizens in the Conception Bay North region. I am proud be here to celebrate this commitment to quality health care for our friends, families and residents of the area."

As part of the official opening, Minister Smith also unveiled new diagnostic equipment. New additions to the hospital include a radiology Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) which has replaced film with computer-based diagnostic images, a direct-to-digital x-ray unit which greatly reduces patient examination time, a new mammography machine and a new ultrasound unit.

"Government remains committed to ensuring patients and health care workers have access to proper equipment, however we cannot do this alone. The generous support of volunteers and fundraising foundations is vital in the purchase of new equipment," said Minister Smith. "Today, I am pleased to gratefully acknowledge a generous donation from the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation. Thanks to this foundation, a new $130,000 central patient cardiac monitoring system is now in the redeveloped emergency department.

"In Healthier Together, A Strategic Health Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, government articulated its commitment to improving the health and community services system. Ensuring patients have access to up-to-date health infrastructure and equipment plays a big part in making this vision a reality for the people of this province and that is why we continue to make investments in health infrastructure. For the last five years, we have invested $33 million for repair and renovations in health facilities across the province," said Minister Smith.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377

2003 09 23                                         2:20 p.m.