Health and Community Services
January 29, 2014

Seniors and Families Supported by Regional Health Care Infrastructure

$2.8 million Restorative Care Unit Officially Opened in Corner Brook

The new $2.8 million restorative care unit in the Corner Brook Long Term Care Home will play an important role in providing rehabilitative services to older adults helping them regain their independence and return home after a prolonged illness or surgery.

“Our government continues to advance programs, services and infrastructure projects that support the health and well-being of our residents, which includes providing sustainable options for long-term care and rehabilitative services. This commitment is highlighted by today’s opening of the $2.8 million restorative care unit that will enhance the level and type of care for people in this area.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber East

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, officially opened the new 14-bed restorative care unit today. The unit offers a comprehensive program that focuses on overall health, motivation, and functional independence that allows for a safe transition back to the individual’s community and home.

“The restorative care unit is an important addition to the health infrastructure in this region and will offer valuable rehabilitative services to older adults, helping them more effectively recover from a prolonged illness or surgery. The new unit allows for better use of acute care beds and will complement the current and future services offered at the long-term care facility and the new regional hospital currently in development.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The program is delivered by a wide complement of health care professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists and occupational and recreational therapists, and promotes the highest level of independence through involvement in the activities of daily living.

“I am extremely pleased to see the official opening of this service that is vital in helping residents regain their physical independence. This program will enhance services already provided in this region. I am pleased with the contributions of the Provincial Government for this program and I look forward to more health-related contributions in the future."
- Vaughn Granter, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Humber West

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $85 million in health care facilities in the western region for repairs, renovations and new equipment, and has committed to the development of a new regional hospital that will cost in excess of $500 million.

“Western Health is proud to partner with the Department of Health and Community Services to open the new restorative care unit. Illness and injury can have a debilitating effect on the functioning and independence of older adults. This new program enables clients to regain and retain their functioning and return safely to their home. With the aging population in our region, this will be very beneficial.”
- Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO of Western Health

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The restorative care unit will provide intensive rehabilitative services to older adults in the western region to help them regain their independence and return home after a prolonged illness or surgery.
• Through an investment of $2.8 million, the new 14-bed restorative care unit offers supports and programs to individuals who require specialized, rehabilitative care.
• Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $85 million in health care facilities in the western region for repairs, renovations and new equipment, and has committed to the development of a new regional hospital that will cost in excess of $500 million.

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2014 01 29                                           1:20 p.m.