Communities and Families Benefiting From New Health Infrastructure

New $22 Million Operating Rooms Officially Opened in Grand Falls-Windsor

Five state-of-the-art operating rooms were officially opened today at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services.

“Health care infrastructure is more than just bricks and mortar. For our families, communities and province, health centres provide essential services that impact all of our lives. Our government’s main priority is to ensure that all residents have access to the best possible health care system. Through an investment of approximately $22 million, these new operating rooms will enhance services in this region, placing the most modern equipment, tools and technology in the hands of our surgeons. This is an important investment in our people and our province.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The new state-of-the-art operating rooms will be approximately 40 per cent larger and offer a more conducive working environment with better workflow and can accommodate more modern surgical equipment and technology. The operating room suites offer:

• Customizable lighting for each physician to set their lighting preferences for optimal visibility during surgical procedures;
• In-suite conferencing capabilities allowing physicians to consult with other specialists across the province and country during a procedure;
• Enhanced mechanical and electrical back-up systems to ensure procedures can continue uninterrupted through power fluctuations or outages; and,
• Newly designed preparatory areas that allow for enhanced infection control practices.

“The opening of the new operating room at Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre means that, in this region, we are better positioned to meet the health care needs of the people now and in the future. The new operating rooms help ensure that we continue to keep pace with emerging practices and technology in surgical services and that we are also able to provide a modern working environment for our physicians and staff.”
- Rosemarie Goodyear, President & Chief Executive Officer, Central Health

Extensive renovations and redesign of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre were required to house the operating rooms. This is a part of a larger redevelopment plan for the facility that is valued at $30 million.

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

• Five new state-of-the-art operating rooms were officially opened at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor.
• The new operating rooms cost approximately $22 million and required extensive renovations and redesign of the facility and are a part of a $30 million redevelopment.
• In addition to the redevelopment, over $38 million has been provided for health care infrastructure and equipment at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and Carmelite House since 2004.

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2014 02 28                                            1:20 p.m.