Health and Community Services
July 23, 2013
An investment of approximately $2.3 million through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future will support the addition of new health care equipment and technology in Gander. The investment, which was announced today by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, will enhance access to health care services in that region.
“Continual improvements in services, through the purchase of new equipment and technology, plays a significant role in the delivery of health care for individuals and families and is a priority for our government,” said Minister Sullivan. “The James Paton Memorial Health Centre is the hub for health care in the Gander region, and through our investment of $2.3 million in this facility, we are helping to ensure positive outcomes for the residents who live here.”
Patient care at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre will be strengthened through the addition of new equipment such as a glucose testing machine to test and monitor individuals with diabetes, a pulmonary function system to assist in diagnosing respiratory-related illnesses, and a new 3D ultrasound machine.
“It is great to see further investments in health care here in Gander, which will benefit all residents in the central region,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander. “The Provincial Government is committed to continuous improvement in health care services through the addition of new equipment and services, and today we are seeing the benefits of that here at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre. I am also pleased to see funding for Lakeside Homes which will enhance service to residents at that facility for years to come.”
Funding announced today also includes $356,000 for upgrades to the emergency lighting system, and the replacement of sheet flooring and over bed tables at Lakeside Homes, a long-term care facility in Gander.
“We are very pleased by this announcement because the investments in new equipment and infrastructure for both the James Paton Memorial Health Centre and Lakeside Homes will enhance client care and safety at both sites,” said Rosemarie Goodyear, Interim President and CEO of Central Health. “Our partnership with the Provincial Government on initiatives such as this allows us to work together effectively towards our common goal of enhancing the quality of health care provided in this region.”
Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested over $1.2 billion in health care capital equipment and infrastructure repairs and renovations, including almost $26 million in the Gander region.
Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Justin Hewitt Executive Assistant to the Honourable Kevin O’Brien MHA for Gander 709-729-3053 justinhewitt@gov.nl.ca |
| Kim Cheeks Communication Consultant Central Health 709-651-6239, 571-9472 kim.cheeks@centralhealth.nl.ca |
2013 07 23 11:45 a.m.