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Twelve-Bed Unit At Copper Ridge Place Opens

For Release #07-212
October 10, 2007

WHITEHORSE - Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers today announced that residents will begin moving into the last 12-bed unit at Copper Ridge Place on November 15.

"Residents will move in over several weeks, which will allow them time to adjust to their new home and at the same time, allow staff to get to know the residents," Cathers said.

The minister added that opening the unit will accommodate the majority of clients on the continuing care waiting list and help address pressure on the bed space at Whitehorse General Hospital.

Preparation for the bed openings included ordering equipment, recruitment of staff, including seven licensed practical nurses, and various support service personnel. Training and orientation plans had to be in place as well as cleaning and moving schedules finalized.

Copper Ridge Place is a 96-bed facility that provides residential and respite care, including extended care, complex chronic care and special care. The cost of operating the additional 12-bed unit for a year is $1,474,000.