The provincial government announced plans today to expand Community Hospital in O'Leary to include 10 additional long-term nursing care beds.
Premier Pat Binns said the decision follows Government's announcement this spring to enhance long-term care services in the province.
"Since then we have increased the subsidy to private nursing homes and approved 10 new nursing care beds in Southern Kings. Today's announcement to also increase the number of long-term care beds in West Prince from 63 to 73 will meet an immediate need and better prepare us to meet the needs of an aging population," said the Premier. "We will continue to work with the West Prince Health Board to evaluate long-term care needs and priorities in the region."
Planning and construction costs for the expansion are estimated to be in the range of $700,000. Additional operating costs will be about $350,000 annually.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that the addition will expand and enhance the excellent long-term care services established at Community Hospital.
"We have many strengths to build on at Community Hospital such as a caring staff, physicians and volunteers who are familiar with the needs of older residents and their families. The necessary support services are also already in place such as kitchen, laundry and parking facilities," said the Minister.
Ernie Hudson, West Prince Health Board Vice Chair, advised that planning for the new service will also facilitate regional planning to meet the needs of an older population. "Over the next few years, we expect to have a much larger number of older people in West Prince, and particularly those 75 years and older. The additional beds will help to meet immediate and longer-term needs in this area," he said.
The Minister added that the expansion will provide increased opportunities for nursing recruitment and retention in West Prince. "With more beds, we will have more nurses to provide relief during vacation and sick leaves. With a larger core of 25 long-term care beds, we will be expanding the staffing mix to also include LNAs and Resident Care Workers. The addition of these providers to the care team will further support the needs of nurses and residents," he said.
MLA Eva Rodgerson advised that the community will be kept informed as planning progresses.
"Our modern new facility will provide an excellent setting for innovative long-term care services," she said, "We will be looking at new design standards in long-term care such as larger rooms, added privacy for residents, and more space for family, social and recreational activities," she said.
Planning for the expansion will begin immediately. Occupancy is planned for fall 2001.