The community health centre in Buchans will benefit from approximately $497,000 in Provincial Government funding in Budget 2010 for new capital equipment and facility renovations and repairs. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined in Buchans today by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans; Karen McGrath, CEO, Central Health; and, Derm Corbett, Mayor of Buchans.

"The Williams Government is making great strides in upgrading and modernizing health care infrastructure throughout the province, and will continue to do so to ensure residents have access to health care services in their own community," said Minister Kennedy. "This community health centre provides quality primary health care services to the residents of Buchans and I am very pleased that our government is helping to sustain these essential services."

The funding announced today will support facility repairs and renovations, including $300,000 to upgrade the electrical system. It also includes $125,000 to replace the existing x-ray unit; $37,000 for laboratory analyzers; $18,000 for defibrillators and monitors; $7,000 to replace drug carts; $5,500 for a new freezer; and, $4,000 for computed radiography cassettes.

"I am very pleased that the A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre is receiving this funding. The health centre is very important to the residents of Buchans," said Minister Sullivan. "I am sure residents will appreciate the benefits of these much needed upgrades and renovations as well as the new diagnostic equipment."

"The investment since 2003 of $1.4 million for capital equipment, facility repairs and renovations, as well as a new x-ray unit, will go a long way as we strive to enhance primary health care services at the A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre," said Karen McGrath, CEO of Central Health.

The Provincial Government has invested approximately $1.4 million in capital equipment, repairs and renovations at the A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre since 2003. This includes almost $565,000 for medical equipment, a new ambulance and bed replacements; and, approximately $849,000 for renovations such as a new sprinkler system and upgrades to the electrical, fire alarm, and food delivery systems.

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future includes $208.9 million for health care infrastructure throughout the province. This includes $177.3 million for new facilities and equipment and $31.6 million for repairs and renovations.

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