Executive Council
Health and Community Services
February 26, 2008

Provincial Government Gives $500,000 to Daffodil Place

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by the Minister of Health and Community Services, the Honourable Ross Wiseman, to announce a $500,000 contribution by the Provincial Government towards Daffodil Place, a project of the Canadian Cancer Society. Also present for the announcement were John Steele, chairman of the Daffodil Place Campaign Committee, along with members of the committee and board of directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The Canadian Cancer Society will begin construction of Daffodil Place soon, with an opening date in early 2009. The 24-suite facility will provide accommodations for those who must travel to St. John's for cancer treatment. A full range of programs and services for cancer patients and their families will also be available at Daffodil Place.

"Daffodil Place is a project that promises to have tremendous positive impacts in helping individuals battling cancer who are away from the comforts of their own homes," said Premier Williams. "I commend the Canadian Cancer Society for its vision and dedication in initiating this project and I am very pleased that our government is providing this substantial support. Traveling from rural areas to the capital city is an added burden for those receiving medical treatment, so I cannot think of a better investment to provide assistance and comfort to those individuals who will be in need of this facility."

Over the last four years, the Provincial Government has made significant strategic investments in cancer prevention and treatment totaling approximately $24 million, including the opening of two new cancer centres in Central Newfoundland, the expansion of the cervical cancer screening program province-wide, the addition of new and effective treatments for cancer, as well as the upgrade and replacement of medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment. An investment of $10 million alone was allocated for the construction of bunkers and the purchase of two new radiation machines for the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Treatment Centre. The Provincial Government also committed to a PET scanner, and work is being undertaken to plan for this important piece of equipment.

"Our announcement of funding today for Daffodil Place adds to our already substantial investment in cancer treatment and prevention, while also reflecting our understanding of the challenges faced by the people of this province in dealing with cancer," said Minister Wiseman. "Daffodil Place will be a wonderful source of comfort and support for the individuals and families who are impacted."

"I thank the Williams Government for its leadership, and the genuine care shown for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who will benefit from Daffodil Place," said Mr. Steele. "Without a doubt, this contribution will be very welcome news for people from all parts of the province who have been touched by cancer."

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7391
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741

glendapower@gov.nl.ca
Andrea Nolan
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991

andreanolan@gov.nl.ca
Peter Dawe
Executive Director
Canadian Cancer Society
709-753-6520
pdawe@nl.cancer.ca

2008 02 26                                                     1:45 p.m.

 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement