Assessment of Health Care Facilities Under Way

A comprehensive assessment of Nova Scotia's health care facilities is under way in order to ensure Nova Scotians are receiving the right type of care in the most appropriate facility, Health Minister Jamie Muir said today, Oct. 6.

"During the election campaign, we promised to complete a review of these facilities within 90 days of taking office. I'm pleased to say the review process has begun and the assessment will be completed within the promised time period," the minister said.

Throughout October, all health care facilities, with support and direction from the Department of Health, will assess their patients to determine whether they are receiving the most appropriate type of care. The aim is to identify those patients in hospital who might benefit from an alternative type of care, such as home care or long-term care.

"This assessment will provide information on the number of patients who might benefit from alternative levels of care, as well us provide the department with a snapshot of how acute-care beds are being used in this province," the minister said.

Mr. Muir said this will be the first time in five years that information from this type of formal review will be available to government. The review will be carried out this month and results compiled and analysed during the first two weeks of November.

About 35 health care facilities are involved; a number of them, such as the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, have multiple sites.

"Once we receive a final report, we will be able to implement changes as quickly as possible. This will help ensure patient needs are properly met while at the same time deliver that service in the most cost-effective way," the minister said.