Monday, November 25, 2002

Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre Officially Opened In Friday Ceremony
Amherst Daily News
by Darrell Cole (Managing Editor)

Among those taking part in the ceremonies were: (l-r) Phyllis Cameron of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, Premier John Hamm, Cumberland Health Authority chair Bruce Saunders, Health Minister Jamie Muir, Cumberland North MLA and Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Earnest Fage, and Cumberland South MLA and Speaker Murray Scott. (Cole)

UPPER NAPPAN - The opening of Cumberland County's new regional hospital was celebrated as a memorable community achievement here Friday.

"Today is a great day for all of us," Premier John Hamm said during the official opening. "It's a day for you to be proud of what we have worked so hard to accomplish for so may years. "What was once a dream is now a reality, a reality that will see you and your families receive quality health care in a brand new health care centre." Premier Hamm was joined by officials from various levels of government and supporters of health care in the community in celebrating the official opening of the $45-million Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

The hospital, located in Upper Nappan, at the junction of Highway 2 and the Trans-Canada Highway opened in late October, replacing Highland View Regional Hospital - parts of which are more than 90 years old. Looking back at the project, the premier said nothing would've been possible without the level of community support it received. "I've been told your ability to raise such a large amount of money was questioned in years past," he said. "Well you proved the doubters wrong. You showed them that community spirit is alive and well in Cumberland county."

The premier also applauded Cumberland County's two MLAs for their support of the project as well as the Cumberland Health Authority and everyone associated with the Above 7 Beyond Campaign which raised $7.5 million for the project. "This is the very essence of community health planning," the premier said, pointing out the new hospital will not only provide excellent care but also attract more doctors, nurses and health professionals to the area. "New equipment will help reduce waiting timed. You'll be able to access diagnostic services sooner than ever before," he said. "There will be more services available for you so you don't have to travel to Halifax. You can stay right here in Cumberland County and get the care you need."

Health Minister Jamie Muir said the opening of the new regional hospital is a proud day not only for Cumberland County, but for health care in all of Nova Scotia. At the same time he congratulated volunteers and the community for helping make the new hospital a reality. "Look around, you've all helped make this health care centre possible," he said. "Today certainly goes to show what wonderful things can happen when people work together to achieve a common goal." While celebrating the opening of the new hospital, Muir called on those in attendance to remember Highland View Regional Hospital to appreciate how far the community has come and the may accomplishments which have paved the way to a brighter future.

Cumberland North MLA and Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Earnest Fage said the new hospital was a community project from the very beginning. "This is a proud moment," Fage said. "I don't think there's a single person in this room or any where in Cumberland County who hasn't attended a fund-raiser, worked on the campaign or made a personal donation themselves."

Those feelings were shared by Cumberland South MLA and Speaker Murray Scott, who said the new hospital will serve the health care needs of all of Cumberland County for many years to come. And while the weather was dreary outside, Scott said their was much celebrating inside. "It may be raining outside, but it's sunny in here," Scott said wile also paying tribute to all of those who've made contributions to health care and the campaign to build the new facility.

Cumberland Health Authority president Bruce Saunders called the new hospital a testament to what the community can accomplish through determination and cooperation. "This is indeed a special day for health care in Cumberland County and I want you to know that I serve on a board with a group of volunteers who always work diligently with the best interests of that health care system at heart," sanders said.

The opening was also applauded by Cumberland Health Care Foundation chair Phyllis Cameron, who paid tribute to the Above & Beyond Campaign and all of those who participated in the fundraiser effort as volunteers and donors.

"The foundation looks to the future and the new challenges it will face in its commitment to support the promotion of health care in the community," Cameron said. " Our work will continue."