Minister Views Development of New Grand Falls-Windsor Operating Rooms

The future site of five state-of-the-art operating rooms located in the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre was viewed today by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. As part of a larger redevelopment of the facility, the Provincial Government is investing approximately $22 million to develop the operating rooms which are expected to be completed by the fall of 2014.

“Over the past number of years our government has made a concerted effort to focus on key infrastructure projects that benefit all regions of our province,” said Minister Sullivan. “These investments in the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre will build the region’s health services, capacity and ability to meet the needs of its residents. Our commitment to construct five new operating rooms will modernize the equipment used by health care professionals, which will ensure patients continue to receive quality health care in the region.”

The new operating rooms are part of the approximately $30 million redevelopment of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre. Once complete, the operating rooms will utilize the most modern operating equipment available. Enhancements will also ensure secure mechanical and electrical back-up systems are in place.

“This investment to develop these state-of-the-art operating rooms will certainly improve our infrastructure and will assist in not only maintaining and improving the services we deliver but will help us recruit health care professionals vital to support our growing needs,” said Rosemarie Goodyear, Interim CEO, Central Health.

Another important feature of the operating rooms will be the ability of surgeons to have full video conferencing over the internet during surgical procedures.

“All of our surgeons and operating room staff look forward to the completion of this project which will enhance our ability to accommodate the most up-to-date surgical procedures,” said Dr. Jeff Cole, Chief of Medical Staff.

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has made health care infrastructure planning and medical equipment procurement a priority. Over the past several years the services at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and Carmelite House have been enhanced through an investment of approximately $29.5 million. This has allowed for the addition of new CT machine, diagnostic imaging equipment, a mammography unit, the installation of a nurse call system, and pharmacy upgrades.

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2013 03 08             12:25 p.m.