A procurement consultant will make recommendations about tendering for home care services across the province to ensure Nova Scotians receive quality service at a sustainable cost.

Gordon Kyle and Associates will help government determine a tender process that could ensure quality and create more consistent, efficient and flexible services.

“With increasing demands in home care and long term care, we need to take a new approach. We must be innovative and creative in tackling these issues; not just for today, but for the future,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

“We believe there would be great value for individuals, families and government in taking a consistent and more transparent approach to securing $194 million worth of health care services.”

Gordon Kyle and Associates will draw on the knowledge and experience of current service providers and consult with key partners, such as the district health authorities over the coming months.

If government chooses to move forward, the consultants will work with the Department of Health and Wellness to develop the request for proposals, which could be issued this spring.

“We have a duty to ensure Nova Scotians have access to consistent and quality care,” said Mr. Glavine. “Having a competitive process designed to select the best providers will help us do that, as well as reduce waitlists, and address past recommendations from the auditor general to comply with government procurement policies and processes.” said Mr. Glavine.

About 12,000 Nova Scotians receive home care services each day. In 2013-14, there were more than 24,800 home care clients, an increase of 13 per cent from two years before. The demand is expected to continue to rise.

Budgeted hourly rates for home support services (including personal care, respite, meal preparation and light housekeeping) range from $34.26 to $58.44. Nursing services are as high as $90.78 per hour.

The consultant will be paid about $90,000.

Source: Release