October 29, 2004

BRANDON—Health Minister Tim Sale has announced approval for an upgrade of Brandon’s Westman Regional Laboratory valued at approximately $3 million.

"We are extremely pleased to see this project moving forward, as it means the diagnostic laboratory needs of patients, health care professionals and staff will be better met," said Sale. "This builds on the significant capital health investments that have been made to support the delivery of quality health care in the Brandon area."

The Westman Laboratory has served as the main referral centre for rural diagnostic laboratory services since 1974. The facility provides comprehensive laboratory services to the Brandon Regional Health Centre as well as Brandon medical clinics, all rural laboratory facilities outside of Winnipeg, northern nursing stations and minimum security institutions.

Highlights of the upgrade include:

• improving the heating and cooling ventilation system;

• increasing floor space; and

• upgrading existing space.

"Brandon Regional Health Authority (BRHA) is very pleased that the provincial government is supporting the capital renovations at Westman Regional Laboratory," said Carmel Olson, CEO, BRHA. "The updating of the lab is consistent with BRHA board priorities."

"This announcement is another example of the government’s commitment to invest in health facilities in all corners of the province and to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care regardless of where people live," said Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister Scott Smith, who attended an event here today on behalf of Sale.

The project supports the Manitoba government’s plan to build on the fundamentals of medical care including:

• investing in medical equipment, hospitals, personal care homes and other facilities needed to operate a modern health care system;

• training, recruiting and retaining doctors, nurses and other health professionals to practice in urban, rural and northern communities; and

• fostering innovation in technological health advancements to bring patient care and health information to Manitobans.

Smith noted that since 1974 the workload at Westman Regional Lab has increased significantly with little capital investment. The minister commended staff for their dedication in working under difficult conditions.

Renovation work is expected to begin next spring.

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