Health and Community Services
October 13, 2010
New Diagnostic Equipment Installed at the Labrador
South Health Centre
Residents living in southern Labrador will benefit from enhanced
diagnostic services with the installation of new medical equipment at
the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau. The Williams Government
recently invested $200,000 for the purchase of a general x-ray unit for
this facility.
"Our government is continuing to make significant investments in
medical equipment for health care facilities across the province," said
the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community
Services. "The equipment recently installed at the Labrador South Health
Centre will ensure people in southern Labrador have access to essential
diagnostic testing in, or as close to, their own community as possible."
The general x-ray unit, installed last month, has made significant
improvements in service as clients experience increased comfort and
physicians have access to better quality images. A new chemistry
analyzer was also recently installed, which will result in more advanced
laboratory testing at the health centre.
"The enhancements in diagnostic equipment at the Labrador South
Health Centre will bring marked improvements in access to quality care
for the residents of this part of the region," said Boyd Rowe, CEO,
Labrador-Grenfell Health. "This equipment has broadened the range and
number of diagnostic tests we are now able to perform at this facility,
and has also reduced physician waiting times for results. This
translates into improved quality and timelier care for our clients in
the Labrador South area."
Since 2003, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $1.6
million in the Labrador South Health Centre for the purchase of capital
equipment such as two new defibrillators, a cardiac monitor, resident
lifts and a hand-held ultrasound machine. This funding also includes
upgrades and renovations, including new water filtration and fire
sprinkler systems and a new staff duplex unit.
Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our
Future includes an investment of $208.9 million for health care
infrastructure throughout the province, including investments in new
construction; redevelopment of existing facilities; purchase of new
medical equipment; and, repairs and maintenance.