$1.6 Million Strengthens Health and Long-Term Care Services in Stephenville

An investment of nearly $1.6 million for new equipment and infrastructure repairs and renovations will make a significant difference in the provision of care at the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, Bay St. George Long-Term Care Centre and the Rehabilitation Annex in Stephenville.

“Residents who rely on services provided at the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital and Bay St. George Long-Term Care Centre receive a quality of care that is second to none,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “This investment of almost $1.6 million will enhance the services currently offered at these facilities and provide a greater level of access and support to residents living in this region.”

The Bay St. George Long-Term Care Centre will receive approximately $1 million for equipment and facility repairs and renovations, including new patient lifts and beds; as well as several upgrades, including the replacement of sidewalks and exterior steps, roofing repairs, replacement of sinks and faucets, and kitchen expansion.

“Investments in health care are building blocks for communities and regions,” said the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East. “I am pleased that our government is ensuring that patients and families continue to have access to these services and our health care professionals have the tools and infrastructure they need to perform their jobs.”

The Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital will receive approximately $463,000 for new equipment, such as patient stretchers, beds and emergency room cardiac monitors. There is also funding for infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of a water treatment system, security enhancements, and upgrades to the physician and staff residences.

“Today’s announcement is a significant investment by the Provincial Government to continue to improve health care services in our region,” said Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port. “It is a demonstration of our government’s commitment to provide quality health care to our residents. The upgrades and equipment for the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, the Rehabilitation Annex, and the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre will benefit the residents of this region for years to come.”

The Provincial Government is also investing $105,000 for a roof replacement at the Rehabilitation Annex, a facility in Stephenville that provides mental health and addictions outpatient services, audiology and speech language pathology services.

“Today’s announcements demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Provincial Government to high quality care to our patients in the Stephenville and Bay St. George area,” said Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO of Western Health. “These investments assist us in continuing to provide quality programs and services for the people that we serve.”

The Provincial Government has invested over $1.2 billion in health care capital equipment and infrastructure repairs and renovations, including over $10.6 million in the Stephenville region since 2004.

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2013 08 12                                     4:40 p.m.