Health Minister Susan Sullivan has provided more details on how $1 million, announced earlier this year in health-care funding for Labrador, will be spent.
Three health-care facilities in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area will benefit from the funding allocated in the province’s 2012 budget.
Speaking at the Labrador Health Centre today, Sullivan said the Labrador Health Centre will receive $861,000 for the purchase of capital equipment, including $445,000 for an ultrasound machine, $86,000 for four electrocardiography systems and $80,000 for laparoscopy equipment.
Sullivan said the province has invested nearly $33 million in health-care facilities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the surrounding area since 2004 to improve access to vital health care programs and services.
“Our government continues to make strategic investments in health-care infrastructure and equipment across the province to enhance the health and well-being of residents,” the minister said.
The Labrador Health Centre will also receive about $159,000 to fund capital repairs and renovations. Of this funding, $134,000 will support upgrades to the facility’s safety and security systems, and $25,000 will fund the installation of a dialysis water treatment system.
The Mani Ashini Community Clinic serving Sheshatshiu and North West River and the Churchill Falls Community Clinic will each receive $16,500 for an electrocardiograph machine. In addition, $4,000 is being invested to purchase a stair chair at the Churchill Falls facility.
“Labrador is preparing for unprecedented growth as we see the surge in our energy and resource sectors,” said Nick McGrath, minister for intergovernmental and Aboriginal affairs and minister responsible for Labrador affairs. “Our Northern Strategic Plan is considered a living document evolving with the changing needs of Labradorians and the provincial government will continue to make investments in health care in the region particularly during this time of development.”
Lake Melville MHA Keith Russell said he’s proud to see the continued dedication of government to invest in necessary equipment upgrades for the Labrador region.
“This enhancement of health services will go a long way to better serving the needs of residents of Labrador,” Russell said.
Tony Wakeham, CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health, said he’s pleased with the funding that has been allocated by the province for the purchase of capital equipment at the Labrador Health Centre and the community clinics.
“The acquisition of modern medical equipment is key to supporting our mission of delivering accessible, quality care to the residents of Labrador,” Russells said. We also welcome funding to make improvements to our infrastructure at the Labrador Health Centre that are essential for preserving a safe environment.”
Since 2004, the province has allocated about $13 million for new capital equipment, repairs and renovations at health-care facilities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which has allowed for the development of a new chemotherapy suite at the Labrador Health Centre and the purchase of a digital mammography machine, digital fluoroscopy unit, computed tomography scanner and, dialysis equipment for the facility.
The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Long-Term Care Home, which opened in 2010, also received $20 million in provincial funding.
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