Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to recognize and celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Carbonear General Hospital. The hospital, which had its official opening in September 1976, continues to serve as a key pillar for health-care delivery for people living in Conception Bay North, the Bay de Verde Peninsula, Trinity ​and Placentia Bay, and surrounding communities.

“On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the hard-working physicians, staff, and volunteers who have served at Carbonear General Hospital over the past 50 years,” said the Honourable Joedy Wall, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Our government is proud to work with you to make health care better for all of us.”

Since opening its doors, the hospital has evolved from a community-based acute care facility into a modern regional health-care centre, providing a broad range of specialized services and advanced health-care technologies for individuals closer to home.

“Thank you to the dedicated staff, physicians and volunteers for your compassion, professionalism and the care and support that you provide to patients and families, helping to support the delivery of care on-site at the Carbonear General Hospital,” said Ron Johnson, chief executive officer (interim). “We are pleased to recognize the advancements in health care seen at the hospital over the past 50 years and acknowledge the patients who have entrusted us with their care; the dedicated people who have worked at the hospital; and our partners, including the local Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation ​and Auxiliaries, for their ongoing support.”

The hospital started with a focus primarily on core acute care services and has grown into a hospital offering emergency care, intensive care, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, ​pediatrics, chemotherapy, medical imaging, rehabilitation services, palliative care and a wide range of allied health supports. The introduction and expansion of specialized services at the site have also reduced the need for individuals to travel for care.

“From dialysis and obstetrical care to advanced surgical services and internal medicine, the hospital has grown to meet the needs of the area with a wide range of services,” said Dr. Peggy Tuttle, Site Clinical Chief, Carbonear General Hospital. “An important part of the evolution has been the hospital’s ability to bring new technology and resources to the community. The Computed Tomography (CT) scanner donated by the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation was a significant milestone in helping transform the way care is delivered locally, supporting the growth of the emergency room, inpatient and outpatient care.”

Continued investments in infrastructure, including new operating room suites, expanded emergency services, outpatient ambulatory clinics, specialized equipment, and clinical expertise have supported Carbonear General Hospital’s ability to meet the evolving health care needs of the communities it serves. Enhancements have enabled the introduction and expansion of services, including a broader range of surgical procedures, pain management services, chemotherapy care, and most recently with the introduction of midwifery services.

For 50 years, Carbonear General Hospital has been a place of healing, innovation and partnership, helping improve the health and well-being of individuals in the communities it serves.

-30-