$382,000 in Health Care Funding Benefits Residents in 10 Coastal Labrador Communities

December 18, 2014

Supporting the Health of Families and Rural Communities

Ten health facilities serving communities along the north and south coasts of Labrador will receive upgrades and new equipment through an investment of $382,000. Residents of Black Tickle, Cartwright, Charlottetown, Forteau, Hopedale, Makkovik, Mary’s Harbour, Nain, Port Hope Simpson and Postville will benefit from the funding.

“Having access to health care services is essential to residents living in rural communities. Being able to stay close to home to receive care and treatment is important for families. Through our government’s investment of $382,000 in these 10 coastal communities in Labrador, we are ensuring that health care providers have the best tools available to them as they care for local children, parents and seniors.”
– The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The funding will support the purchase of several pieces of new and replacement equipment including instrument washers used for infection control and sterilization practices, upgraded telehealth video conferencing equipment, pediatric equipment used in diagnostic imaging and new snowmobiles for patient and medical personnel transportation.

“Coastal communities across Labrador have unique challenges that require outside of the box solutions. Investments such as these will bring patients and health care professionals closer together and support healthcare improvements along the Labrador coast. Enhancing vital services such as the telehealth network, diagnostic equipment and the various tools used will benefit both patients and medical staff and lead to higher quality care.”
– The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

In addition to the equipment, the medical staff housing in Cartwright, Black Tickle, Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour and Makkovik will be upgraded.

“As community clinics on the north and south coasts of Labrador provide essential primary care services to the residents they serve, it is important that we have the most up-to-date equipment in place. Labrador-Grenfell Health appreciates the continued support and investment from the Provincial Government to purchase new and replacement equipment.”
– Tony Wakeham, President and CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested nearly $1.5 billion in health care infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook allocates a total investment of over $189 million for health care infrastructure, which includes $119 million for continuing construction and redevelopment, $50.5 million for new equipment and $20 million for repairs and renovations.

QUICK FACTS

• Ten coastal communities on Labrador’s north and south coasts will benefit from $382,000 for equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
• Residents served by the health facilities in Black Tickle, Cartwright, Charlottetown, Forteau, Hopedale, Makkovik, Mary’s Harbour, Nain, Port Hope Simpson and Postville will benefit from the funding.
• The funding will be used to purchase instrument washers, replacement telehealth video conferencing equipment and pediatric equipment.
• Upgrades to the medical staff housing Cartwright, Black Tickle, Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour and Makkovik will also be conducted.
• Budget 2014 allocates a total investment of over $189 million for health care infrastructure.

– 30 –

Media contacts:

Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

Allan Bock
Regional Director of Communications
Labrador-Grenfell Health
709-897-2351
allan.bock@lghealth.ca

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1495, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

NT5