Committee member Rev. Arthur Elliott told TC Media, “People see the long awaited dream of a one-roof health care facility virtually assured now that construction has begun.”
The addition of the second private clinic will put Lewisporte on par with other communities and regions of comparable size for health care services — something the committee has been working over five years to see accomplished.
Model
Project manager Mike Pearce said the developer wants the project to be centered around a sense of community ownership.
While other contractors were approached to take on the project, it was Dennis and Donna Fudge who came on board to accept the task.
“We’re going to get a Facebook page up and running so people can see the construction progress of the clinic, update the Pilot regularly and hold public meetings so people can ask questions and see updates on the facility,” Pearce said.
The new clinic will also be open after suppers on certain evenings although a schedule is yet to be set.
“We’re hoping that will alleviate some of the stress on the After Hours emergency clinic,” Pearce said.
Online scheduling, electronic medical records and a family friendly environment are all things that Pearce and the committee are striving for.
The facility will be able to accommodate up to six physicians and the committee has confirmed that recruitment is underway to fill the positions.
The goal of the committee remains the same — provide residents with the stability and availability of a family physician.
Committee chair Walter Dawe said, “We want to reduce doctor turnover so people can get to know their doctor and their doctor can get to know them.”
Dawe expressed appreciation to the committee, developers and Pearce for their hard work and dedication in seeing their dream become a reality.
