Official opening of the new Phlebotomy facilities at the Tracadie-Sheila Hospital

Tracadie, October 30, 2017 – Vitalité Health Network inaugurated the new Phlebotomy facilities at the Tracadie-Sheila Hospital during an official ceremony that was held today with a number of guests and dignitaries in attendance.

This project, at a total cost of $401,850, was made possible thanks to a partnership between the Vitalité Health Network ($170,650), the Coopérative régionale de la Baie ($200,000) and the Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie ($31,200). The improvements include the addition of new pieces of equipment and an adapted workspace as well as the reorganization of the existing facilities, including the waiting room.

Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of the Network, explained that the improvements made in Phlebotomy will make it possible for the population from the regional municipality of Tracadie and its surrounding communities to receive quality care in an appropriate setting that will ensure better privacy protection and be more accessible for people with reduced mobility. “In 2015, more than 636,000 procedures were done in Phlebotomy at the Tracadie-Sheila Hospital. We are confident that these improvements will be appreciated by patients and health care facility staff alike,” he added.

One of the objectives of the Network’s 2017-2020 Strategic Plan is to improve access to care and services across its territory, especially in rural settings. “The trusting relationships that we are developing with communities enable us to meet requirements and bring true improvements in our health care facilities, such as the one announced here today,” Mr. Lanteigne added. 

The improvements made in Phlebotomy are also perfectly in line with the objective to effectively contribute to improving the health of the population. 

The Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie is very proud to have contributed to this important project. “Today, thanks to this significant partnership between Vitalité Health Network, the Coopérative régionale de la Baie and the Foundation, we are proud to unveil the improvements in the laboratory sector. We would like to thank everyone for their commitment to the facility and the community,” said Philippe Ferguson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie.

“The Coopérative régionale de la Baie, a cooperative with a social and economic mission, is very proud to have contributed to the Phlebotomy renovation project at the Tracadie-Sheila Hospital. Since 2003, the exceptional partnership with the Foundation, through the Loto Coop Santé Communautaire lottery, made it possible to raise several million dollars. The amounts raised have been used to improve the wellness of the community in several ways (e.g. donations for various causes and activities, and projects of the Tracadie-Sheila Hospital). The Board of Directors of the Coopérative régionale de la Baie hopes that the Phlebotomy improvements will give employees a modern work environment so that they can continue to provide excellent services,” stated Pierre Ferguson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Coopérative régionale de la Baie.

Keith Chiasson, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Local Government; Pierre Ferguson, Chair of the Coopérative régionale de la Baie; Philippe Ferguson; Chairman of the Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie; Gilles Lanteigne, Chief Executive Officer of the Réseau; Gina Losier, medical laboratory technologist; Denis Losier, Mayor of Tracadie; and Stéphane Legacy, Vice-President of Outpatient and Professional Services.

From left to right: Keith Chiasson, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Local Government; Pierre Ferguson, Chair of the Coopérative régionale de la Baie; Philippe Ferguson; Chairman of the Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie; Gilles Lanteigne, Chief Executive Officer of the Réseau; Gina Losier, medical laboratory technologist; Denis Losier, Mayor of Tracadie; and Stéphane Legacy, Vice-President of Outpatient and Professional Services.