Government Announces Provincial Nursing Task Force
An action team has been established to guide the allocation of new nursing staff throughout Nova Scotia, Health Minister Jim Smith announced in the legislature today.
"The formation of this action team reflects government's commitment to partner with health care professionals and address the concerns of nurses to improve the quality of care and the efficient delivery of that care for Nova Scotians," said Dr. Smith.
The minister said the team, made up of representatives from the health care sector, will assist government in implementing an investment of $8 million toward the creation of 200 full-time nursing positions and the conversion of 200 casual nursing positions to full-time jobs. The team will be responsible for recommending criteria and conditions for the creation and distribution of these new positions.
Dr. Smith said strict terms of reference have been developed and the action team will begin its duties immediately, providing recommendations on the distribution of the first 100 positions by the end this month.
Throughout the process, the team will consult with nursing leaders from across the province. The Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations will provide advisory assistance and act as the team's secretariat.
"This action team of health care representatives will play a crucial role in ensuring our nursing resources go where they are needed most," said Dr. Smith.
He said the partnering initiative represents another step in government's ongoing consultation with health care professionals to move forward on the challenges facing the nursing profession today, as identified by provincial nursing associations, unions and nursing schools.
Team members include representatives from the Northern Regional Health Board, the Nova Scotia Hospital, the QEII, the Western Regional Health Board, the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union and the Nova Scotia Nurses Union. A representative from the long-term care sector and officials from the Department of Health will also be appointed.