March 15 2006

New long-term care bed added in Chetwynd

Northern Health will increase seniors’ services in the Chetwynd area through a further expansion to long-term care in the community. NH will add one more long-term care bed at the Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre effective this week, bringing the total number of those beds to seven. Long-term care beds are for seniors with complex health needs who need 24 hour a day nursing support.

“This latest addition is part of on-going work to boost seniors services in Chetwynd, and will help provide a range of services for the health needs of area residents,” said Northern Health Northeast Chief Operating Officer Larry Tokarchuk.

Northern Health has taken several steps to improve seniors care in Chetwynd. These include:

• Adding a new long-term care bed in Chetwynd last fall;
• Providing $18,000 a year to operate an adult day centre at the Chetwynd Hospital for seniors who can live in their own homes but need on-going monitoring of health conditions; and
• Increasing the regional budget for home support and home care nursing services.

NH is also working with partner agencies to add independent living units with support services in Chetwynd, which would provide specialized housing and health services for seniors who can remain independent with some extra help.

“Northern Health has made progress on this very important issue,” said Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom. “Ensuring senior care is available to communities in my riding is one of my top priorities, and I am very pleased that this expansion is happening.  I’d like to thank NH and the people of Chetwynd who have worked so hard to make this happen.”

Chetwynd residents who want more information about the adult day centre or other seniors programs can call (250) 788-7200.

Media Contact: Larry Tokarchuk, Chief Operating Officer: (250) 262-5200