MIRAMICHI (GNB) – A new 240-bed nursing home for Miramichi will be built through a public-private partnership. The request for qualifications will be issued in the coming weeks to seek qualified bidders for the request for proposals, which will be issued this summer.
“This new facility in Miramichi will help us to meet both current and future needs in the region to ensure seniors receive the care they need in modern, high-standard facilities,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Lisa Harris. “We are committed to increasing the availability of nursing home beds so families can rest easily, knowing their loved ones will be cared for.”
The facility, which will replace the existing Mount St. Joseph and Miramichi Senior Citizens homes, will be built through a public-private partnership, based on the model used in similar facilities constructed elsewhere in the province.
“The success of other public-private partnership nursing home projects in the province gives us the confidence that this is the right way to proceed for Miramichi,” said Harris. “Our experts have performed an analysis of all the pros and cons of this construction, and this is the best value and most efficient use of our province’s resources, while ensuring we meet the needs of our seniors.”
Harris also announced that the preferred proponent will be required to maintain the union contracts with the employees of the two existing nursing homes as part of the contract. This will provide stability for the workers at these two facilities.
The request for qualifications is expected to close later this summer, and a request for proposals will be opened to qualified bidders by late summer. The preferred proponent(s) for the project will be announced next year.
13-06-16
