Health and Community Services Tourism, Culture and Recreation March 26, 2009 Record Budget 2009 Investments Advance Health and Well-Being in Newfoundland and Labrador The Williams Government is investing a record $2.6 billion in Budget 2009 for health and community services in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Our government is committed to building upon our strategic plan to enhance the quality of programs and services in our health care system," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "We are making another record investment that will undoubtedly go a long way in the delivery of excellent care for the people of this province." Enhancing Mental Health and Addictions Funding of $775,800 will also be provided to address the prevention and treatment of substance use in the province by addressing service gaps, increasing service accessibility and involving communities in preventing addictions problems in youth. Funding in Budget 2009 brings the Provincial Government�s additional investment to $17.9 million over the past five years for mental health and addictions services in the province. Improving Long-term Care and Community Supports Budget 2009 provides $35 million in funding to improve long-term care and community support services. Further details are included in the Budget 2009 release � Budget 2009 Significantly Invests in Long-term Care and Community Supports.Strengthening the Health Workforce The Provincial Government is building upon previous initiatives and is investing a total of $8.8 million in Budget 2009 to further strengthen and support the health care workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador. An investment of $5.1 million will allow for continued expansion and additional operating costs associated with the Memorial University (MUN) Faculty of Medicine. Other investments include: Health Equipment Investments An investment of $50 million in 2009-10 will provide funding for new health equipment to be added across the province. Investments include $3 million in laboratory equipment at the health facilities in St. John�s, Gander, Brookfield, Twillingate, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, St. Anthony, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Labrador City; $1.2 million for a nuclear medicine gamma camera in Corner Brook; $1 million to replace a CT Scanner in Grand Falls-Windsor; $75,000 for an endoscopy unit in Stephenville; and, $326,500 for ultrasound machines in Carbonear and Burin. This year�s funding brings the total investment in new health equipment by the Williams Government to over $173 million over the last five years.Investing in Health Care Facilities As part of the Provincial Government�s infrastructure investment package announced in February, Budget 2009 includes investments in health care facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador totaling $76 million. Infrastructure projects include: Repairs and maintenance: Supporting Regional Health Authorities Budget 2009 will provide $3.9 million to further support the regional health authorities in the delivery of quality health care services and programs to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding will address unique priorities and initiatives including: An investment of $18.4 million will also be made in 2009 for regional health authorities to offset cost increases due to inflation and utilization growth in many of its programs and services. Budget 2009 will also provide funding of $2.5 million for the opening of new long-term care homes in Clarenville and Corner Brook. The funding will also be used to provide new office space for community-based health services in Labrador West. Strengthening Children, Youth and Family Services $8.5 million will be spent to assist in creating a new department and to provide additional support to programs and services in the child, youth and family services system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Further information can be found in the Budget 2009 news release � Investing in Children, Youth and Families � New Government Department Being Created.Investing in the Provincial Drug Program In Budget 2009, the Provincial Government is investing $136.1 million in the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP). This year�s investments include $3.9 million for new drugs to be added to the formulary. These medications include: Improving the Wellness of the Province�s Residents The Provincial Government is committed to providing the opportunity for each resident to have access to programs and services that support good health and well-being. On an annual basis, $4.1 million is invested in the Provincial Wellness Strategy. To further support wellness throughout the province, significant investments have been made in the Healthy Aging Policy Framework and will continue in Budget 2009 with an additional $3.5 million toward improving the wellness of residents. Investments include: This budget builds on investments to promote healthier lifestyles through the province�s recreation and sport strategy � Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to promoting active, healthy lifestyles for all residents," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "We will continue to work closely with the Departments of Health and Community Services, and Education, as well as our recreation and sport stakeholders, to ensure we are co-ordinating efforts and maximizing opportunities to achieve that mutual goal." Through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Budget 2009 provides an additional $675,000 to improve existing programming and introduce new initiatives, bringing the total new funding invested in recreation and sport initiatives to $3.3 million in 2009-10. Key investments include:
"Budget 2009 reflects our unwavering focus on improving the quality of health care in the province," said Minister Wiseman. "Our government is expanding programs and services to respond to the changing needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." - 30 - Media contacts:
2009 03 26 2:05 p.m. |
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