News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

   

 

Joyce pleased resolution near to re-open respite care beds in Corner Brook

April 5, 2006

Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says he is pleased that government is working towards finding a solution to keep two respite care beds open at the Interfaith Home in Corner Brook.

Recently, two respite care beds were shut down at the Interfaith Home in Corner Brook because of space and storage issues. These beds are used to accommodate patients requiring care outside of the home for short periods of time. This service provides family members with a place for their relatives to receive care should circumstances arise that forces them from providing these duties. The service also provides a much-needed break for care providers who require respite.

"I brought this issue to the Health and Community Services Estimates Committee earlier today," said Mr. Joyce. "I was pleased that Minister Osborne was aware of this situation and the problems that closing these beds would have in the Corner Brook area. He committed to look further into this matter and hoped to find a solution that would re-open these beds by the end of the week.

"Many people rely on these respite care beds in emergency situations and to alleviate stress that is placed on family caregivers. These beds have been recognized as very beneficial for families and patients in the area. I want to thank the minister for his attention to this matter and I wish to thank the staff and management at Western Memorial Regional Hospital and the Interfaith Home for their hard work in trying to address this issue.

"Whenever an issue arises that affects the people of Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands, I will work with government to find solutions. I look forward to a successful resolution in this matter, and I hope these beds will re-open in a very timely manner."

 

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477