January 16, 2015
Partners Announce Tender Awarded for New Nursing Station in Grand Rapids
– – –New Facility to Ensure Quality Health Care is Available Close to Home: Minister Blady
A tender has been awarded for a new nursing station to be built in Grand Rapids to ensure a wide range of health services are available in the community for years to come, Health Minister Sharon Blady said today.
“We know modern facilities ensure health-care providers are able to offer quality care to the people in their communities,” said Minister Blady. “This nursing station will ensure a number of health-care services will be available to meet the needs of area residents including primary care and chronic disease services.”
Con-Pro Industries will be constructing the new nursing station, which will replace the existing facility built in 1983. The new facility will include three exam rooms, a two-stretcher trauma room and offices for visiting professionals such as physicians, midwives, mental health workers and regional diabetes program staff.
“We welcome this next stage in building a new modern nursing station for the entire community,” said Helga Bryant, chief executive officer, Northern Regional Health Authority. “It will provide a great environment for health professionals to practice as they meet the health-care needs of area residents.”
The minister noted the new, 8,945-sq.-ft. nursing station will serve the Town of Grand Rapids and the Misipawistik Cree Nation.
“We are very pleased that the communities’ negotiations for a new nursing station have been realized,” said Chief Harold Turner, Misipawistik Cree Nation. “We are confident the new nursing station will better meet the health needs of our community. Negotiations will continue for additional programs and services.”
The minister noted special consideration is being given to community use of the facility. After-hours use of a multi-purpose room and community kitchen will provide opportunities for activities such as community meetings, cultural events and healthy living programs. Equipped with Telehealth capability, the space may also be able to be used for educational or network-style activities.
“This is a welcome announcement for the community, and this project will enhance the quality of health care and life for the people of Grand Rapids,” said Mayor Robert Buck, Grand Rapids. “I believe this project will become a model to be used in other northern communities, and we look forward to continued work with the community and the partners making this facility a successful reality.”
The design also includes a diagnostic services area that will consist of digital x-ray and a laboratory with digital connections to allow test results to be transferred electronically.
“It’s exciting that this very important project is moving ahead,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “This new nursing station will make a real difference for the people of Grand Rapids and the surrounding community.”
Construction began in early January 2015, with completion expected in 2016.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of Town of Grand Rapids, the Misipawistik Cree Nation, the Northern Regional Health Authority and the Government of Manitoba.