Work on Corner Brook Restorative Care Unit Progresses

Work on the new restorative care unit in the Corner Brook long-term care facility is moving forward. Once complete, the services will provide additional supports and programs to the older adults of the region who require specialized rehabilitative care. Completion of the unit is expected in the fall of 2013.

“Providing options for long-term care and rehabilitative services is a priority of the Provincial Government,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “We made a commitment to the people of Corner Brook and this region to provide this restorative care unit and we are seeing it through. This is another significant piece of health care infrastructure that will help us better utilize our long-term and acute care beds by complementing the new long-term care facility and the future hospital.”

The 14-bed restorative care unit will offer individuals rehabilitation programs with the goal of helping patients regain their independence and return home. The unit will be staffed by health care professionals including nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreation, and other support staff.

“Our government places great emphasis in addressing issues that face our aging population,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Humber East. “The new restorative care unit will be of great benefit to the people of Corner Brook and the entire region. Providing appropriate levels of care to people who need rehabilitative services will have a positive trickledown effect as people move through the health care system.”

A contract worth approximately $2 million was recently awarded to Tech Construction Ltd. of Corner Brook for all required reconfiguration and upgrades to complete the project.

“The primary goal of the restorative care unit will be to return the older adults who come into acute care for an illness or surgery to a high level of independence that they would have had before their acute illness,” said Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO, Western Health. “This new program is in keeping with our focus on healthy aging.”

The Provincial Government continues to invest in programs, services and infrastructure projects that address the needs of a variety of populations. New facilities that will serve youth and adults with addictions and youth with complex mental health needs continue to progress; new long-term care facilities in St. John’s, Carbonear and Lewisporte are under construction; and, new acute care facilities in Labrador City and Corner Brook are under development.

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2013 02 18                          5:15 p.m.