Board of Trustees Response: Western Regional School of Nursing Location
Western Health was authorized by the Department of Health and Community Services in 2019 to explore space needs for the Western Regional School of Nursing, along with other services that were not going to be located in the new acute care hospital. Given the importance of the Western Regional School of Nursing to the sustainability of the health care system on the west coast, Western Health began to look for options that were suitable for the nursing faculty, students and long term viability of the school.
There are over 250 students enrolled in nursing programs at Western Regional School of Nursing who are the health care leaders of our future. “Over the past number of years, Western Health has cultivated a valued partnership with Grenfell Campus, and we have collectively supported as much integration of the Western Regional School of Nursing within the Grenfell campus as physically possible. Many of these students live on campus, avail of support services and attend nearly half of their classes at Grenfell campus, which help support a positive university experience.” -Mr. Bryson Webb, Chair, Board of Trustees
Western Health has explored multiple options for space for the Western Regional School of Nursing. While there has been no decision made, Western Health has recommended to the Department of Health and Community Services that the Corner Brook Civic Centre Annex is a viable option to consider for the home of Western Regional School of Nursing because of its adjacency to Grenfell Campus and cost efficiency.
Western Health is sensitive to the community groups seeking options for recreation space and is hopeful that a solution can be found that benefits all involved. Throughout discussions with the City of Corner Brook, Western Health understood that alternate recreational space would be available to meet the needs of user groups.