The Newfoundland and Labrador government is satisfied that its health facilities are safe, even though some of them don't have sprinkler systems installed.

Municipal Affairs Dave Denine says fixing fire protection gaps in four hospitals will be a high priority for government.
(CBC)

Earlier this week, the Eastern Health regional authority said sections of the Waterford and St. Clare's hospitals do not have sprinklers.

Municipal Affairs Minister Dave Denine confirmed that three hospitals outside St. John's — Capt. William Jackman Memorial in Labrador City, Curtis Memorial in St. Anthony and Western Memorial in Corner Brook — do not have complete sprinkler coverage.

Still, Denine told CBC News that he has been assured the buildings are safe.

"They know what they have to do in case of emergency. There [are] fire doors there that help prevent fire from spreading, and the fire commissioner's office is satisfied that all necessary precautions are in place," Denine said.

The government has been criticized by some personal home care operators who say they are being held to a higher standard. The government ordered 22 operators to comply with an order to install sprinklers or face closure.

Denine said the government has classified all the hospitals as a high priority, and that they will either have new sprinkler systems installed, or the buildings will be replaced over time.

As well, government is addressing incomplete sprinkler coverage in health centres in Whitbourne, Forteau, Flower's Cove and Bell Island.

Two long-term care homes, in Lewisporte and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, also require repairs.

Richard Murphy, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, said he is willing to give the province time to work on the problem.

"It would be nice if it was totally sprinklered, I agree, but the fact that it's not, [so] we have to take measures now to make sure that they are, and the sooner we can do that the better," he said.