Government and Nova Scotia Health Authority welcomed the Auditor General’s report released today, June 8, on Nova Scotia’s health system.
The findings highlight some of the challenges facing the health system and validate the work underway to better plan, co-ordinate and deliver health services to Nova Scotians.
Government will work with the health authority to carry out the report’s four recommendations.
“Government is making sure investments needed to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians are being made,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “We are continuing to create a provincial health system that can better connect Nova Scotians to the care they need. That means putting more resources into health programs and services as efficiencies and savings are realized.”
On April 1, 2015, government consolidated nine district health authorities to create Nova Scotia Health Authority with the goal of making the health system as effective and efficient as possible to deliver safe, quality care and service, with the overall aim of improving the health status of Nova Scotians.
One year later, the Department of Health and Wellness reorganized to reduce administration and direct more resources to the health authority and front line health care, which included a transfer of $49 million.
The changes were one of the largest redesigns of health administration in Canada in years.
“Nova Scotians expect and deserve a high-quality, sustainable and effective health system,” said Janet Knox, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Health Authority. “We are engaging the public in conversation about creating a healthier future together. We are using evidence and best practice to make the best use of our financial, people and infrastructure resources.”
The planned approach to the redevelopment of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is an example of rethinking how the health system can deliver safe, quality and appropriate care and services in more efficient and innovative way.
The Auditor General recognized that infrastructure needs remain. With 41 sites and just over 100 buildings, the health authority will continue to work with the department to address safety issues and to develop a five-year plan for construction and renovation projects the meet the needs of Nova Scotians for the next 50 years.
Source: Release
