News release

Funding Announced for IWK Capital Equipment

Health and Wellness

The province is investing $3.5 million in new hospital equipment for the women and children served by the IWK, Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson announced today, July 12.

"New technology and equipment are important in continuing to provide safe, quality health care services," said Mr. Wilson. "This investment will improve care and enhance safety for patients throughout the province."

The funding includes about $3 million to replace 19 anesthesia machines and monitors at the IWK Health Centre hospital, as well as and $500,000 for new and upgraded pharmacy and laboratory equipment. The hospital will also receive funding towards a $102,000 laparoscopic system for minimally invasive surgery.

"This new equipment will directly benefit the care of the women, children, youth and families served by the IWK each day," said Anne McGuire, president and CEO of the IWK Health Centre. "The province's investment in medical technology allows our staff and physicians to provide the best possible care today, which will in turn lead to healthier generations of Maritimers."

Under the cost-share formula for capital equipment, the Department of Health and Wellness will pay 75 per cent of the cost for the equipment and the district health authority IWK will pay 25 per cent, which was raised by the IWK Health Care Foundation through donations.

The province's investment is part of $15 million announced in December from its Jobs and Building 2012/13 Capital Plan. The money is earmarked for district health authorities and the IWK Health centre to purchase or replace necessary equipment.