Planning starts for Old Crow Health Centre replacement

April 13, 2016

WHITEHORSE—The Government of Yukon has identified $250,000 in this year’s budget to plan the replacement of the Old Crow Health Centre, subject to legislative approval.

“The health centre in Old Crow is nearing the end of its useful life,” Health and Social Services Minister Mike Nixon said. “A new building would provide safe, efficient and adequate space for current and future health services in the community.”

The original building was built in the early 1970s, with a two-story addition in 1986. A new building will allow for the co-location of Home Care and Social Services within the same building and accommodate visiting staff and specialists, additional exam rooms and an improved configuration of building space. A new building will also permit installation of new technology.

“This investment will start the work of determining the functional needs of the health centre’s programming,” Nixon said. “It’s important to plan ahead.”

Community Nursing operates primary care services, emergency services and community health programs as well as providing space for home support workers out of the Old Crow Health Centre.

“Our community is excited about this announcement and ready to be a part of the planning work for the new health centre,” Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Darius Elias said. “Many of our citizens were actually born in the old centre and have good memories of it; the new facility will maintain quality health care services in Old Crow for future generations.”

-30-

Contact:

Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@gov.yk.ca

Marcelle Dubé
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-3010
marcelle.dube@gov.yk.ca

NT4