News Release

PERTH-ANDOVER (GNB) – Construction of a new essential services building is nearing completion at the Hotel-Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital in Perth-Andover. The project is part of a $7.65-million investment to restore, preserve and protect critical infrastructure at the hospital.

“Access to quality health care in all regions, including rural New Brunswick, is a top priority of your government,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “This is why, as long as I am premier, no rural hospitals will close their doors. With this investment, we are helping ensure that the people of the Perth-Andover area can get the services they need from the Hotel-Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital for years to come.”

The project includes demolition of the flood-prone section of the hospital that has been condemned since the flood of 2012, and the construction of the new essential services building.

The new building will:

• minimize the risk of flooding of the utilities and evacuation, and minimize the risk of injury or death;

• upgrade systems that had their life expectancy shortened by exposure to water, dampness and humidity; and

• allow energy efficiencies with reduced travel distance for utilities and new mechanical piping.

Construction should be completed this summer.

“The people of Perth-Andover have shown tremendous resilience in recovering from the aftermath of several devastating flood events,” said Agriculture, Mines and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Harvey. “This investment in the community’s hospital infrastructure is another example of how we are getting things done for rural New Brunswick.”

Harvey spoke on behalf of Health Minister Benoît Bourque.

Once the project is completed, the provincial government will seek to recover costs through Public Safety Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.

The 2018-19 capital budget includes $99.9 million to help ensure patients get the care they need as the government continues to plan strategically around hospitals and health-care infrastructure to provide a level of health care to New Brunswickers that is effective, efficient and supportive to positive health-care outcomes.