Health and Community Services
October 6, 2015

Investments in Health Care Support Strong Programs and Services

Approximately $1.2 Million in Investments Strengthens Health Care in the Carbonear Region

The Provincial Government is providing approximately $1.2 million for infrastructure upgrades and new equipment to enhance health care in the Carbonear region.

"The investments that our government has made in infrastructure, programs and services have provided a high quality health care system for residents of the province. We will continue to ensure access to these critical services, as they remain an integral part of the appeal of living in Newfoundland and Labrador and ultimately support the aims of the Population Growth Strategy."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The Carbonear General Hospital will be provided over $1 million for equipment and upgrades. Of this amount, $500,000 will be used to support the continued work to upgrade to the hospital's electrical distribution equipment. The remaining $510,000 will be used for the purchase of:

• Replacement beds and stretchers to improve patient care;
• Fetal monitors for children and women's health;
• A new ultrasound machine for the diagnostic imaging department;
• Laboratory equipment for the facility, including a freezer, blood bank refrigerator, and incubator; and
• A new ultrasonic washer for the medical device reprocessing department.

"Quality health care equipment and infrastructure is critical to the health and well-being of a community. This funding will provide our health care staff with the equipment and upgrades necessary to support the highest quality of care for residents in this region."
- Glenn Littlejohn, Deputy Speaker and MHA for the District of Port de Grave

An additional investment of approximately $185,000 will purchase replacement beds at the Harbour Lodge Nursing Home and at the Pentecostal Senior Citizen's Home to ensure patient comfort and care.

"Today's investment of over $1.2 million demonstrates the Provincial Government's ongoing commitment to providing high quality care within our health care system. With this funding, we are able to strengthen our equipment and infrastructure for the benefit of the people of Carbonear and surrounding communities, which, in turn, will improve the overall patient experience."
- David Diamond, President and Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Health

Budget 2015 includes a total of $133.7 million to ensure access to new and modern health care facilities and equipment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including $40 million for new health care equipment and $20 million for repair and renovation projects.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing approximately $1.2 million for infrastructure upgrades and new equipment to enhance health care in the Carbonear region.
• The Carbonear General Hospital will be provided over $1 million for various equipment and to upgrade the hospital's electrical distribution equipment. Approximately $185,000 will purchase replacement beds at the Harbour Lodge Nursing Home and at the Pentecostal Senior Citizen's Home.
• Budget 2015 includes $40 million for new health care equipment and $20 million for repair and renovation projects.
• Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025 is the Provincial Government's 10-year plan to support individuals and families. For more information: homeforgoodnl.ca .

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Dawn Batten Constituency Assistant to Glenn Littlejohn MHA for Port de Grave 709-786-1372 DawnBatten@gov.nl.ca
Tracey Boland Media Relations Manager Eastern Health 709-777-1412 TraceyL.Boland@easternhealth.ca

2015 10 06                              12:35 p.m.