Over $1.3 Million Announced for Health Care Upgrades in Clarenville

Residents in Clarenville and surrounding communities will benefit from a Provincial Government investment of more than $1.3 million in new equipment and upgrades at the Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital.

“Socially and economically, Clarenville is experiencing considerable growth and is a hub for the Eastern Region,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Today’s announcement of $1.3 million reinforces our government’s vision for having a well-developed and accessible health care system that addresses the needs of residents, as well as the ability to help attract new industry and families to the region.”

Minister Sullivan made the announcement at the Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital where she was joined by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Speaker of the House of Assembly and MHA for Trinity Bay North, and Vickie Kaminski, President and CEO of Eastern Health. Minister Sullivan also took the opportunity to announce a tender for the construction of a 12-bed protective community residence for individuals with mild to moderate dementia which was issued this week.

“The Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital is a valuable facility that is staffed by highly-dedicated and qualified employees,” said Mr. Wiseman. “Today’s funding and commitment to advancing the new protective community residence will provide significant benefits for the people and families in this region.”

Of the total investment, $1.01 million is allocated for the purchase of equipment such as a blood culture analyzer, heart monitoring stress system, and ultrasound, as well as the installation of a new x-ray machine. The overall funding also supports upgrades to the hospital’s loading dock and air conditioning unit.

“Today’s funding announcement reflects the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to health care infrastructure in Clarenville and surrounding area,” said Ms. Kaminski. “This substantial investment in the Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital and commitment to the new protective community residence will help improve our equipment and strengthen our infrastructure for the greater benefit of the people we serve. This is in keeping with our priority of providing safe, quality and accessible care to our patients, clients and residents.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, allocates $2.9 billion for the provision of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador on targeted initiatives that increase access to health services and treatments, provide greater long-term care and community support services, enhance support for seniors, and strengthen infrastructure.

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2013 08 21             3:45 p.m.