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February 2, 2005

Saint John -- Feelings of pride and satisfaction were evident as invited guests from Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation, the Government of New Brunswick, St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, the Sisters of Charity, and the general public celebrated the official opening of St. Joseph's Community Health Centre. Chairman of the Board of Directors for Health Region 2, William Teed, Q.C. joined with Premier Bernard Lord, the Honourable Elvy Robichaud, New Brunswick Minister of Health and Wellness, and Nancy Savage, Vice President Patient Programs for Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation, to officially cut the ribbon to the new Community Health Centre today in Saint John.

“This is a tangible example of the effective partnership that exists between Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, and the Province of New Brunswick,” said Nancy Savage. «Voilà un exemple concret du partenariat productif établi entre la Corporation des sciences de la santé de l’Atlantique, Fondation de l’hôpital St-Joseph, et la province du Nouveau Brunswick», affirme Nancy Savage, vice-présidente, Programmes pour les patients et patientes de la Corporation des sciences de la santé de l’Atlantique.

“Today marks the culmination of a great deal of work by many of our community’s citizens since the announcement for funding was made by Premier Lord and Minister Robichaud in October 2002,” said Teed. “This includes all of the volunteers who were on the greater Saint John Roundtable on Primary Health Care and dedicated staff and physicians, particularly Dr. John Brewer and Implementation Coordinator Laurie Janes and, of course, Steve Carson, President of Enterprise Saint John, who chaired the Implementation Committee.” Teed was especially proud of the renewed energy and excitement at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Referring to the Enterprise Saint John Growth Strategy, Teed explained “This is a grand hospital, founded on faith by the Sisters of Charity. We’re celebrating its continuing contribution to greater Saint John.”

Premier Bernard Lord applauded the work of St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre whose multidisciplinary approach to health care included six family physicians, five nurse practitioners, dietitians, and representatives from social work, pharmacy, and occupational therapy, “The collaborative care practice at St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre had more than 24,000 patient visits this year as well as offering a home outreach program. Together with many community partners, St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre is responding to key community health issues such as poverty, domestic violence, youth and women's health issues,” Premier Lord stated.

St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre has two components: collaborative practice (both scheduled and unscheduled visits), and community development and is anticipated to continue to expand to meet the needs of our community’s citizens.

Media Contact:
Patricia Crowdis
Director, Communications and Media Relations
Media Pager: (506) 646-3030