Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is working toward the implementation of various health care services for those staying at the transitional housing facility at the old Airport Comfort Inn.
Several rooms at the facility have been earmarked as medical rooms, with more being set up as required.
End Homelessness St. John’s Executive Director Doug Pawson says job postings are up to recruit health care professionals to work at the facility.
Chief Operating Officer, Eastern Urban Zone for NL Health Services Ron Johnson says data shows that there are currently upwards of 30 people in acute care centres that don’t need to be there because housing is not supporting their needs.
He says there are people in the community without primary care, which is also contributing to the situation.
He says the focus will be on giving people life skills to move on to the next phase. Johnson says they will be offering episodic primary care, mental health and addictions counselling, and social and navigation services.