Investment Supports Better Patient Care
The province is investing more than $550,000 in new hospital equipment that will help provide better care for people living on the South Shore, Premier Darrell Dexter announced in Bridgewater today, July 10.
"It's essential that hospitals have the equipment they need to provide the best possible care for patients," said Premier Dexter. "I know that health care continues to be a concern for communities across the province, and particularly here on the South Shore. This investment will help improve patient care and comfort."
The funds will help replace 49 patient beds at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. It will also buy a new tissue processor for South Shore Regional and 10 pieces of equipment to support infection prevention and control for that facility, as well as Fishermen's Memorial and Queen's General Hospital in Liverpool.
"This investment will absolutely have a positive impact on patient care," said Dr. Peter Vaughn, president and chief executive officer, South Shore District Health Authority. "This new equipment will help us continue to deliver quality care to the people of the South Shore.
"The replacement beds especially will help the nursing staff provide better care and improve patient comfort."
The new beds will feature built-in scales so patients will not have to be moved to take accurate weight measurements. The beds also have exit alarms to improve the safety of patients who should not get out of bed unassisted, and improved mobility to make moving and adjusting the beds easier.
Tissue processors are used to prepare tissue samples for analysis and diagnosis. These new machines will ensure more accurate results.
The province's investment covers 75 per cent of the cost of the new equipment. The remaining funds will be covered by the South Shore Health foundations.
"It's wonderful to see these foundations and members of the community working together with the province to provide better care for their families, friends and neighbours," said Premier Dexter. "I want to recognize and thank everyone that has stepped up to contribute to this important cause. We wouldn't be able to do this without you."
Today's provincial investment is part of $15 million the province announced in December as part of its 2012-13 Capital Plan. The money is earmarked for district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre to purchase or replace necessary medical equipment.