Central communities get dollars for health care

“What we’re saying is we have to provide the services as close to their homes as possible while recognizing that in major centres, the major health services will be provided.”

That was the theme the minister emphasized during his latest visit to communities in Central Health’s jurisdiction: Botwood and Buchans. In those communities, as well as in Gander, he announced major funding for health facilities.

“Health care is as important in rural parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, but it’s also important in places like Botwood, which has such a good facility,” said Minister Kennedy.

In Botwood, the beneficiary is the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre, a 79-bed long-term care facility. It’s getting $276,000 for new capital equipment and facility upgrades.

That includes $37,000 for laboratory analyzers; $34,000 for replacement of kitchen appliances; $21,000 for new drug carts and $4,000 for computed radiography cassettes.

In addition, the facility is getting $180,000 for hot water tanks and lighting system upgrades.

Government has spent approximately $1.9 million on the Dr. Hugh Twomey Centre since 2003. This has included the replacement of beds, tubs, scales and lifts; new patient care and support equipment, repairs to the domestic water system, window replacement, lighting system and exterior upgrades.

“Health care is as important in rural parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, but it’s also important in places like Botwood, which has such a good facility.” - Health Minister Jerome Kennedy

The A.M. Guy Community Health Centre also received gifts during Minister Kennedy’s trip: $497,000 for new capital equipment and facility renovations and repairs. In Buchans, the minister was joined by Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans, Karen McGrath, CEO, Central Health; and Derm Corbett, Mayor of Buchans.

The minister explained the funding will support facility repairs and renovations, including $300,000 to upgrade the electrical system, $125,000 to replace the existing x-ray unit; $37,000 for laboratory analyzers; $18,000 for defibrillators and monitors; $7,000 for drug carts; $5,500 for a new freezer; and, $4,000 for computed radiography cassettes.

Ms. Sullivan, the Minister for Human Resources, Labour and Employment, said

residents will appreciate the benefits of these much needed upgrades and renovations as well as the new diagnostic equipment.