Funding Provided for New Medical Equipment in Gander

Medical equipment at the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander will be enhanced through a Provincial Government investment of approximately $39,000 which is being provided to the Central Northeast Health Foundation.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to quality health care services as close to their homes as possible,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. “The Central Northeast Health Foundation shares our commitment to providing quality health care services to the residents of central Newfoundland. We are pleased to provide financial support to the foundation for the purchase of new equipment at the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre.”

The Central Northeast Health Foundation raises funds to enhance the health care programs and services offered by the Central Regional Health Authority throughout the central, northeastern region of the province. The foundation is currently fundraising to provide a vacuum assisted closure therapy unit used for closing and healing wounds, cardiac care equipment such as a Lifepak 20 monitor with defibrillator for general surgery, and a narrow band phototherapy cabinet used to treat skin conditions for the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre.

“This is definitely incredible news for the residents of Gander and surrounding areas,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA Gander. “Investing in new medical equipment for James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre shows the commitment that our government has to providing the best health care possible in our province.”

Since 2003, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $16.8 million in capital equipment, repairs and renovations at the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre and Lakeside Homes. This includes almost $13.5 million for medical equipment such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit, digital X-ray and mammography units, dialysis machines, cardiac stress test equipment and three new ambulances. Approximately $3.3 million was invested for repairs and upgrades, including renovations to the cancer clinic and protective care unit, and upgrades to fire alarm and kitchen equipment.

“Our charity is proud to partner with the Department of Health and Community Services and with all of our donors to enhance health care for those living throughout central Newfoundland” said Mac Moss, Chairperson of the Central Northeast Health Foundation. “We are very proud of the advancements that have been made possible through the generosity of our supporters. We are very pleased that our Provincial Government is aware of the tremendous impact that donors have on our health care system. It also means a lot to our donors to see government step up to the plate to assist us in our mission.”

Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future included $208.9 million for health care infrastructure throughout the province. This included $177.3 million for new facilities and equipment and $31.6 million for repairs and renovations. Approximately $3.7 million in Provincial Government funding was provided for the purchase of new medical equipment and repairs and renovations to the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre and Lakeside Homes long-term care facility in Gander.

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2011 03 28             9:50 a.m.