More beds are going to be added at health care facilities on the province’s west coast in attempts to deal with a shortage at the new hospital in Corner Brook.

Earlier this month, Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham criticized government over a lack of preparedness to deal with the volume of patients in need of a bed at Western Memorial Regional Hospital.

Fifteen beds are being added to the long term care centre in Corner Brook, allowing patients who do not need to be in hospital to be reassigned to a setting that better suits their needs.

Government is also issuing an RFP for an interim alternate level of care facility to address the demand for beds.

Health minister John Hogan and NL Health Services Western Zone VP, Teara Freake will meet with media this afternoon at 1 p.m.

VOCM News will be there.