Cost of new hospital for Corner Brook continues to grow

The premier of Newfoundland and Labrador is defending his government's work on a much delayed hospital for Corner Brook. 

The provincial Progressive Conservatives first promised a new hospital for the western region during the 2007 provincial election, and last year former Premier Kathy Dunderdale pledged $227 million toward the new facility.

"I am confident there will be some work done on the hospital this year," said Premier Tom Marshall.

"I know there is going to be a lot of design work done, and I know the process is going to be expedited."

The government has committed to spending the $227 million dollars over the next three years.

Premier Marshall wouldn't say how much money would be in this year's budget, but he said he does know the price tag has grown.

"I know the 227 number is now $607 million dollars. That's what's in the fiscal framework for the hospital," he said Friday.

A committee has been formed to push the province to add a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, and radiation treatment at the new hospital. 

Marshall said he's heard their concerns and he plans on meeting with them this weekend. 

"I am looking at that because the committee asked me to," said Marshall.

"We will ensure that whatever is the latest equipment that diagnostic imaging is gonna need we will make sure its there."