Funding science, research, and investments in innovative technology, processes, and procedures will help to ensure the health care system remains sustainable. The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, as well as the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, recently announced a joint federal-provincial investment of $4.8 million in health research.
The Provincial and Federal Governments, along with other partners, will provide support for a research project identified by patient partners as a priority, and will benefit from the involvement of patients throughout its life-cycle.
This innovative initiative involves testing the effectiveness of an app designed to lower emergency room wait times in Newfoundland and Labrador. If the project proves successful at saving money, provincial partners have agreed to explore ways to re-invest some of the savings in further health research.
The $4.8 million investment is jointly funded by the Provincial and Federal Governments, as well as Eastern Health, Memorial University and the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation.
This research is made possible by the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), a series of funding partnerships between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, provinces and territories, philanthropic organizations, academic institutions, and health charities. At its core, SPOR is about providing the evidence needed to inform the development of health policies and improve the health care system for patients.
This investment delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Congratulations to Dr. Asghari and her team. This is the story of two front line clinicians who saw a problem and took the initiative to solve it. This app is a homegrown Newfoundland and Labrador solution that has generated national attention. It has the potential to be used in any acute care facility with an emergency room. We are pleased to join with the Government of Canada to support a project that will have a direct impact on patients and the health care sector.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Our government continues to work towards priorities outlined in The Way Forward, which are fostering a culture of innovation, productivity and creativity in Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative clearly demonstrates the quality of research happening at Memorial University and the potential impact of innovative partnerships with strong commercialization opportunities. It is another example of how we are working collaboratively to advance innovation.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“It is critical for innovation to be a priority in the health sector. This initiative is a great example of how this focus can impact long term health outcomes, improve service delivery and create innovative commercial products in the province. On behalf of the board of the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, I am pleased that we were able to support the development of this innovation in healthcare.”
Mark Dobbin
Chair of the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation
“Congratulations to the health researchers receiving funding. Your project shows great promise for improving the quality of care patients receive. It is my hope that this health innovation will ultimately prove to increase patient satisfaction and lower wait times.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services
“Canadians are proud of their health care system, and while it gets many things right, we know that there is always room for improvement. Health research is one of the keys to unlocking the potential of our health system and services. That is why I commend the researchers who have listened to the priorities of patients in their province and are working to make a difference in their lives.”
Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
“The project is a wonderful example of how effective we can be when we work together. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, a research team at Memorial University, with support from the federal and provincial governments and our partners at Eastern Health and the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation, are test-driving an app that could make extreme emergency department wait times a thing of the past.”
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
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Rewarding Success Initiative 
The Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research
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Thierry Bélair
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