The Manitoba government Monday announced more than 120 projects across the province to ensure health care facilities are properly maintained. Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the projects are worth nearly $30 million.

There are several projects planned for Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, including a roof replacement, an electrical transformer replacement, lab and phlebotomy cooling system upgrades and an infant abduction system installation. Goertzen explains this is a monitoring system for newborns to ensure that they are not leaving the hospital in the wrong hands.

At Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, projects include dining room heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and associated building controls system modernization. Also at Rest Haven they will replace the flooring in the dining hall and main public areas.

David Driedger is Chief Executive Officer of HavenGroup, which operates Rest Haven Nursing Home. He says these upgrades will bring the facilities to current standards in the short term, while positioning the building well for the longer term as they work on expansion of the PCH.

According to Driedger, the HVAC upgrades can happen immediately and should not negatively impact residents during construction. He notes they will finalize their expansion plans before beginning work on the flooring. Driedger says while that work is happening they will need to find other space to carry on activities, including dining.

"We're pleased that these important projects will go forward this year to ensure we continue to provide the best care to our personal care home residents, and ensure our facility is safe for visiting friends and family," says Driedger.

At Ste. Anne Hospital, the province has announced attic ventilation ductwork and insulation upgrades. And at Villa Youville in Ste. Anne, the plan is to replace the air conditioning compressor unit and well water pump. Meanwhile, Vita and District Health Centre will be getting an air conditioning replacement, emergency generator room modifications/ transfer switch work and mold remediation in two mechanical rooms.

The Health Minister says there are $6 billion in assets within the health care system, which need to be maintained and improved.