New Long-Term Care Unit Opens at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to announce today that new long-term care beds needs are now available to residents in the Labrador-Grenfell zone following the completion of renovations at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. An eight-bed long-term care unit, called Partridgeberry Path, is now operational on the top floor of the hospital. This unit is an expansion of the John M. Gray Centre and Complex and is the first long-term care unit in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone to adopt new culturally significant references and neighbourhood naming.
“These renovations and staffing enhancements for long-term care will enable us better serve our changing client needs and provide quality care to our long-term care residents in the Labrador-Grenfell zone,” said Antionette Cabot, VP and Chief Operations Officer for Labrador-Grenfell Zone. “We are pleased to be enhancing access to quality long-term care services for residents while addressing the needs of population.”
Expansion of the long-term facility into the adjoining hospital was enabled with support from the provincial government and complies with current long-term care standards. Renovations included the development of four long-term care rooms, wheelchair-accessible washrooms, and a multi-purpose room for dining and recreation.
“Our government is committed to improving the quality of long term care in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Aligning with Health Accord recommendations, the addition of eight new beds will support better access and availability of long-term care in St. Anthony. By investing in better access to long term care, we are providing comfort and essential health services to residents who need it.”
As of July 20, 2023, all eight beds have been assigned to individuals awaiting long-term care placement. A team consisting of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and personal care attendants (PCAs) will provide daily care to residents on the expanded unit. Additionally, a multidisciplinary team will provide recreational, dietary, and holistic support to the residents living on the expansion unit.
“Our goal as health-care leaders is to ensure that every resident can thrive and enjoy their later years to the fullest,” stated Dr. Sarada Paladugu, chief of staff at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. “By expanding long-term care facilities, we create an environment where residents receive professional care, engage in meaningful activities and form social connections. This leads to improved quality of life for our seniors, thus alleviating some of the burden on families in our communities.”
Projects like this enable NL Health Services to offer the best care in the most appropriate setting. NL Health Services continues to work with the Department of Health and Community Services to identify needs and available resources to best serve our patients, clients and residents.
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