The MHA for Humber-Bay of Islands is confident that government will be able to staff 45 long-term care beds to be established at the old Western Memorial Regional Hospital to alleviate the strain on the acute care system.

The province announced earlier this month that $21 million had been set aside to have the 45 nursing home spaces at the Corner Brook Community Health Centre.

Renovations to the old hospital are already underway and 15 beds are expected to open in the spring with the remaining 30 expected by next fall.

Creating beds is one thing, staffing them is another – but Eddie Joyce says he’s confident that won’t be a problem.

He says there is plenty of time to start recruiting. Last year 45 beds were opened and Joyce says there were “no problems” staffing them.