"These are the documents I referred to
earlier this week," said the Honourable Paul Oram,
Minister of Health and Community Services. "These
recommendations were approved by the health authority
board and CEO prior to discussion with my department."
As part of the budgetary process
Central Health put forward recommendations for changes
in service delivery which included laboratory and X-ray
services in Lewisporte. The rising cost of construction
for the new long-term care facility in Lewisporte
resulted in closer examination by the department on how
programs and services could be provided. The
recommendations from Central Health were considered over
a period of months which resulted in the announcement on
August 31, 2009.
"If we can make our healthcare system
more efficient and effective for our residents, our
government will work to make that happen," said Minister
Oram. "We have to provide the best possible care, work
to improve services and manage an ever growing
healthcare budget. With strategic planning we can
achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable healthcare
system for the future."
The Provincial Government has
announced there will be a provincial assessment of all
laboratory and X-ray services across the province. This
process is currently ongoing and public updates will be
provided.
For a copy of the documents, go to:
//www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2009/health/0911n12Letters_from_Central_Health.pdf.
