Government will continue focusing on quality care and patient safety, and accessibility to services so Nova Scotians can get the care they need, when they need it.

Those are some of the many themes in the province’s report, Putting Patients First, What We Heard, part of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine’s listening and learning tour of Nova Scotia’s 10 district health authorities.

“I thank Nova Scotia’s health-care workers, volunteers, and community members for sharing their expertise and experience with us,” said Mr. Glavine. “Their insights are helping to build a better health-care system, one that enhances our culture of patient safety and quality.”

Mr. Glavine said the report will help guide the Transition and Design team work currently underway. The team, recently announced, is responsible for recommending a new design structure for a provincial health authority.

Government is streamlining Nova Scotia’s health-care system, reducing 10 health authorities to two by April 1, 2015, with one provincial board and the IWK remaining as a separate authority.

Mr. Glavine visited each health authority during his listening tour and spoke with health professionals, administrators, front-line workers, physicians, community leaders, volunteers, union representatives, and others.

“A new, streamlined health authority will still need strong, community-based leadership,” said Mr. Glavine. “Community health boards, foundations, and auxiliaries will continue to be vital supports to their local areas, hospitals, services, and communities.”

The public can provide feedback at www.novascotia.ca/dhw/puttingpatientsfirst . The full report is available under publications.

Source: Release