A new long-term care home opened in Clarenville today.
The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services,
was joined by Joan Dawe, Board Chair of Eastern Health, and Vickie
Kaminski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Health, in
officially unveiling the Dr. Albert O�Mahony Memorial Manor.
"As Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA
for Trinity North, I am thrilled to see the Dr. Albert O�Mahony Memorial
Manor finally become a reality," said Minister Wiseman. "This home will
enable generations of individuals with long-term care needs to avail of
residential services near their families and home communities."
The Provincial Government invested $22 million to
construct the new 44-bed home, which replaces Sunshine Manor, a small
unit of the Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital which was used for
long-term care needs in the region. The construction of the new home was
carried out by Marco Construction following a call for proposals in
early 2006.
The new home features private and semi-private
accommodations, state-of-the art amenities such as ceiling track lifts
to ensure safety of staff and residents, and energy efficient
components. The home also offers a bright and cheerful atmosphere, space
where residents can enjoy time with their families, and grounds where
residents can plant flowers.
"This is truly an important day for those who need
long-term care here in the Clarenville region," said Ms. Dawe. "A
long-term care home such as this one is committed to the physical,
mental and social health of its residents. And the healthier our
residents are, the healthier the community will be."
"This new home will help to improve the quality of
life for many residents," said Ms. Kaminski. "Knowing that our seniors
are receiving the best possible care when they need it is a huge comfort
to families."
The home was named in honour of the late Dr. Albert
O�Mahony who provided medical services for the residents of the
Clarenville area from 1969, when he moved to Newfoundland from Ireland,
until his passing in October of 2007.
In addition to the Dr. Albert O�Mahony Memorial Manor,
two new long-term care homes are currently under development in Happy
Valley-Goose Bay and Corner Brook.
As part of Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong
Foundation, the Provincial Government will invest approximately $800
million in new and re-developed infrastructure across the province this
year.
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