FREDERICTON (CNB) – The review of three nursing homes is complete and the homes will proceed under the nursing home renovation and replacement plan.

Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, who is also minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations, made the announcement today.

"As a result of the province's serious financial challenges, it was important to review the nursing home plan to find efficiencies and ensure projects were proceeding in the most cost effective way possible," said Stultz.

The three homes are:

●    Nashwaak Villa in Stanley will continue as a 30-bed replacement home;
●    Foyer Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in the Nepisiguit/Chaleur region is an existing 100-bed nursing home that will proceed with a planned 30-bed addition; and
●    Les Résidences Jodin in Edmundston will proceed as a 180-bed replacement home to replace both Foyer Saint-Joseph de Saint-Basile and Villa Des Jardins.

The review of these three projects resulted in savings of more than $5.7 million. With the additional $250,000 in savings from phase one of Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John, a total of about $6 million in savings has been found to date. The savings are in nursing home construction standards, construction costs, professional fees, furnishings and equipment.

"I am pleased that we have been able to achieve savings for government and, in turn, for the people of New Brunswick," Stultz said. "These savings were found without affecting the long-term durability of the projects or the quality of care for the residents."

The remaining homes listed under the nursing home renovation and replacement plan will be reviewed using the following three-step process:

●    each facility will undergo a structural review to determine the cost basis for replacement over renovation;
●    an analysis of the medium and long-term demographic needs of each community will be conducted; and,
●    the construction and operating standards review will be intensified to determine if more savings can be found.

"The nursing home replacement and renovation plan is moving ahead as we are committed to improving the province's nursing home infrastructure," said Stultz. "We will continue to meet the needs of the community and ensure our seniors receive the quality care they need in modern, secure facilities at a cost that is both affordable and appropriate."

Project commitments will be made and announced in a timely manner as the review process moves forward and the condition of existing facilities are assessed.


06-07-11