News release

Province Invests in New Primary Care Clinic for Guysborough

Health and Wellness

Residents of Guysborough and area will have soon have better access to family doctors, nurses and other health-care providers as the province and district health authority begin planning renovations to the Guysborough Memorial Hospital.

A new clinic will be part of renovations and extension of the 24-year-old hospital, offering quick access for patients and health-care providers to the emergency department and other hospital services.

Jim Boudreau, MLA for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour, made the announcement today, Nov. 23, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson, as part of the province's new capital plan to make life better for families.

"Receiving the right level of care, at the right time, is key to making life better for families in Guysborough and across the province," said Mr. Boudreau. "A modern facility will provide the community with better health care and help Guysborough recruit and retain a variety of health care professionals."

More than $1 million has been set aside to plan and design the renovations. The hospital serves communities in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough including Larry's River, Country Harbour, Canso and Guysborough.

Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority CEO Liz Millett said this project is another successful step forward for the district.

"We are very pleased with today's announcement. This funding will allow us to move into the detailed design phase of this project, "said Ms. Millett.

"The renovations and redevelopment of this space will improve access to services, will facilitate referrals to other health professionals and will provide for enhanced co-ordination and communication among services and providers."

"We have a highly trained staff who keep their knowledge expanded with their continued training," said Dr. Anita Foley, a long-time physician in the community. "But to have modern facilities with room to work will make great strides in the care of our people in Guysborough."

The community will make a significant contribution to this project. The Municipality of the District of Guysborough, the Guysborough Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary will provide a quarter of the project's total cost.

This is the third straight year the province will release the capital plan before the spring budget. This sends a clear signal of what the province intends to do in the year ahead, and gives the private sector greater opportunity to prepare for projects, creating efficiencies and cost savings for the province.