Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for space for an expanded health care centre in the Deer Lake region. The new space will consolidate all existing health services in the Deer Lake area from the two current service locations into a single site, and will eventually include the Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team announced in Budget 2023.
Premier Furey was joined by Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake, for the announcement.
The RFP for space for the Deer Lake Health Centre is scheduled to close on April 27, 2023. Information on tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
Team-based care is an essential feature of an effective and sustainable health care system, as noted in Health Accord NL. Our government is committed to continue to improve access to primary care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As part of the primary health care transformation that was outlined in Health Accord NL and Budget 2023, access to primary care is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The consolidation of health care services into one location in the area is in keeping with this objective.
Budget 2023 includes a $3.9 billion investment in health care – the largest in the history of our province. It focuses on a number of health transformation initiatives the further our plan for health care. It will help improve access to primary care; address backlogs and reduce wait times; provide integrated and coordinated service delivery; address gaps in services; and expand and leverage existing resources and people to their full potential. This includes support of $21.2 million for 10 new Family Care Teams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, which upon full implementation will provide up to 80,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to primary care.
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“Our government’s focus remains on the continuous improvement of our health care system. I am very proud to announce that we have taken an important next step in both consolidating and enhancing access to primary health care for people in the Deer Lake region. With the addition of the recently announced Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team, access to primary care in the area will be expanded to include public health, mental health and addictions, diabetes services, lab and x-ray, and physiotherapy.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Humber – Gros Morne
“We know that team-based care is best for both patients and providers, and we are proud to continue to move forward with the planning and establishment of Family Care Teams throughout the province, including Deer Lake-White Bay. The team approach, along with the consolidation of services in this area, will enhance primary care access for residents in the region.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Today’s announcement is a culmination of the work of many people who remained steadfast in their shared goal of ensuring the residents of Deer Lake continue to have access to the health care services they deserve. Thank you to our MHA and Premier, Dr. Andrew Furey, for spearheading this initiative, to the Western Regional Health Authority, current and past councillors, and the doctors and primary care providers of the Deer Lake area, who, through collaboration, are working together to provide this community a foundation for good health. This welcomed announcement brings us a step closer to achieving this goal.”
Mike Goosney
Mayor of Deer Lake
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