Premier Pat Binns and the Provincial Cabinet visited the West Prince region of the province today. During the morning, Cabinet convened for its regular weekly meeting in North Cape where it also had an opportunity to meet with community leaders from the area. Subsequent stops were made at the Wind Test Site and at Community Hospital in O'Leary.
The Premier and Minister Ballem joined their colleagues in O'Leary during the afternoon to turn the sod on a ten-bed expansion to long-term care facilities at Community Hospital.
"We are pleased to be in O'Leary today to follow-up on a commitment our government has made to Island communities and community-based health care," said Premier Binns. This ten-bed expansion will enhance long-term care currently provided at Community Hospital and help us address the future demographic needs of the West Prince region."
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem stated that the changing trends in population and the ongoing need for quality nursing care for area seniors makes this addition timely and appropriate. "The West Prince Health Region has a strong reputation for delivering high quality health care services. The new services will not only mean more capacity but will also mean an enhanced service for existing and new residents."
Eva Rodgerson, MLA for West Point-Bloomfield, shared in the Premier's and Minister's excitement for increased capacity at Community Hospital. "We will be able to accommodate the needs of area seniors now and into the future. This will be a great addition to the community and we welcome our provincial government's continued commitment to rural health care," noted the local MLA.
Robbie Thibodeau, Chair of the West Prince Health Authority, advised that Coles Associates, the designers of the existing hospital, are currently putting the finishing touches to the designs of the long-term care facility. "The addition of ceiling mounted patient lifts, rooms specifically designed for the needs of long-term care residents, an activity/multi-purpose room and other appropriate amenities will not only serve seniors well, but will also be appreciated by their families and the facility staff," said Mr. Thibodeau.