Premier Andrew Furey has reiterated the Liberal Party’s commitment to a PET scanner for the new hospital in Corner Brook.

Standing in front of the building under construction in the west coast city yesterday, Furey was questioned on whether or not the party is committed to fulfilling its promise for a PET scanner for the region.

Some doubts have been expressed about that commitment after it was revealed that the diagnostic imaging equipment would not be in place when the new facility opens in 2023.

Furey says there is a space assigned in the hospital for a PET scanner and money has been put in trust specifically for the machine.

That money will be there regardless of who is Premier says Furey. He met with advocates and assured them that Dr. Mercer and other radiologists and oncologists will do their due diligence and decide what kind of a PET scanner they want. Furey says when that decision is made, the money set aside will be put in as a down payment so that they’re not in a line-up with other institutions.

Our Liberal government has gone further than a written commitment, and now funds for the Western PET scanner are in place which ensures – regardless of politics or what party is governing – the funds are there.

Here's Western Health Radiologist Dr. Ed Mercer on it. pic.twitter.com/4dftTLlZpU

— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) January 18, 2021