Health and Community Services
April 17, 2017

Echocardiography Services Expanded in Central Newfoundland

Beginning this fall, people in central Newfoundland will benefit from increased access to new echocardiography services at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander.

Echo, a term more commonly used for echocardiogram or cardiac echo, is an ultrasound of the heart used to diagnose cardiovascular diseases. Echo services can also provide other helpful diagnostic information to a patient’s healthcare team.

Echo services are currently offered at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor. The service will also be available at the other regional health centre in Gander. This will contribute to improved access for Gander and area residents.

The Provincial Government will contribute approximately $200,000 in one-time funding for the equipment and $141,000 in annual funding for operations. This investment is coupled with a $125,000 one-time donation from the Central Northeast Health Foundation to support purchase of the new machine.

Quotes
“This will double capacity for echo services in central Newfoundland and help to manage the need for travel for those who are very ill and need this service. It will also help to reduce wait times, thereby reducing stress among those people who are waiting for diagnosis.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We are very pleased to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, our supporters and donors in helping bring this service to the patients in our local region. Our foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life through the provision of innovative equipment, tools and technologies that promote the best possible health and wellness.”
Ruth Cheeks
Chair, Central Northeast Health Foundation

Learn more
Central Health

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Media contacts:

Emily Timmins Health and Community Services 709-729-6986, 693-1292 EmilyTimmins@gov.nl.ca

Gaïtane Villeneuve Central Health 709-293-0542 gaitane.villeneuve@centralhealth.nl.ca

2017 04 17                              10:05 a.m.