Health and Community Services
Executive Council
May 27, 2013
Seven health centres and community clinics on the south coast of Labrador have received over $700,000 for new equipment, infrastructure and maintenance through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future. These investments, which were announced by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, in Forteau today, reflect the Provincial Government’s commitment to provide a strong health care system that is responsive to families and communities.
“The importance of providing accessible health care services to families is at the top of our list of priorities,” said Minister Sullivan. “Ensuring that services are available in rural and isolated communities is essential to the people who call it home. All of our residents are entitled to timely health care and we are proud of the investments we have made on the south coast and throughout Labrador.”
The communities of Forteau, Black Tickle, Cartwright, St. Lewis, Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour and Charlottetown are all benefiting from the funding. Highlights of the announcement include new laboratory, telehealth and snow clearing equipment, and infrastructure and accommodations improvements for health care workers.
“Health services are important to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, especially those who live in rural communities far from larger health centres, and it is important that we provide the best possible service to these areas of the province,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “In funding these improvements and upgrades, we are providing the needed support to ensure that patients and health care workers in Southern Labrador can continue to live and work comfortably in their communities.”
Since 2004, approximately $5.1 million has been provided for health care equipment, repairs and renovations to support families in communities on the south coast of Labrador.
“These capital equipment purchases will enhance the delivery of services to our clients in communities from L’Anse au Clair to Cartwright,” said Tony Wakeham, CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health. “These investments will also improve working conditions for our staff who provide the services and signal an increased commitment to using technology to bridge the challenges posed by geography and transportation.”
Budget 2013 allocates approximately $3 billion for the provision of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media contacts:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Allan Bock
Director of Communications
Labrador-Grenfell Health
709-897-2294
allan.bockr@lghealth.ca
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
Labrador Affairs Office
709-729-1674, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
2013 05 27
NT3