Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dwight Ball, has announced that the government will soon release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a new long-term health care facility in Grand Falls-Windsor. The government is looking to establish a shortlist of private sector businesses interested in designing, building, financing and maintaining a 60-bed facility.

The town of Grand Falls-Windsor located in the central region of the island of Newfoundland. According to the government, central Newfoundland has the fastest aging population in the province, leading to the need for more long-term care beds in the area. 

Health Minister John Haggie stated in a news release,

“Increasing capacity in long-term care will ease pressure on the health system and ensure the appropriate use of acute care beds. Today’s announcement will help to meet the rapidly growing demand for long-term care beds in these communities and address much-needed priority services in the region.” 

Construction of the facility is set to begin in 2019. The projected opening date is expected sometime in 2021. The government foresee it being staffed by 70 to 90 public sector employees.