Thirteen Labrador Coastal Communities Benefit from Health Care Funding

Labrador coastal communities stretching from Mary’s Harbour to Nain will receive $469,500 for new medical equipment and renovations through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity - Responsible Investments for a Secure Future.

“Having access to medical services, specialized equipment and a strong health care system is a right of every Newfoundlander and Labradorian,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Many of these communities along coastal Labrador are small and isolated, which means that the services provided at community clinics are that much more important. Our government will continue to invest in rural areas throughout our province to ensure we protect the health of our people and our communities.”

The communities of Nain, Hopedale, Natuashish, Makkovik, Postville, Rigolet, Black Tickle, Cartwright, St. Lewis, Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour and Charlottetown will benefit from $250,500 for new cardiograph EKG machines and stair chairs. Stair chairs are used to provide stairway mobility and allow medical staff to move patients up or down stairs without lifting. This helps significantly reduce the risk of back injuries to staff and further enhances safety for patients.

“Our government remains focused on meeting the health care needs for all Labradorians,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “We have unique challenges on the coast and these investments will have a big impact in communities all along coastal Labrador.”

In addition, the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau will receive $219,000 for two infusion pumps and for a roof replacement to the health centre.

“Labrador-Grenfell Health welcomes these significant investments for the community clinics that serve residents of the north and south coasts of Labrador,” said Tony Wakeham, CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health. “It is important that we continue to improve and enhance health care equipment in the community clinics. Furthermore, it is essential that we continue to provide our staff in community clinics and health centres with the equipment that is required to provide quality care.”

Since 2004, approximately $8.8 million has been allocated for health care equipment, repairs and renovations to the nursing stations, community clinics and health centres along the north and south coast of Labrador. These funds have been used for items such as new cardiac equipment, patient transport vans, emergency rescue vehicles, an x-ray unit, and building upgrades to facilities along the coast.

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2012 09 04             10:00 a.m.