Details of Hospital Board Transition Plan Released

The transition plan outlining government's proposed restructuring of the province's health care delivery system was tabled in the legislature today by Health Minister Jamie Muir.

The document, titled Future Direction of the Health Care System, describes the process that will guide the transition to a new structure.

"This transition plan is very much a work-in-progress," said Mr. Muir. "The input and expertise of many health care providers will be required and encouraged as we move through the transition process. We will also be discussing the plan with health sector stakeholders."

The document reflects the comments and recommendations of regional health board CEOs who had an opportunity to review an earlier draft. Provincial Health Council members were also given the document earlier this week. Ongoing consultations will help government proceed with a smooth transition, which ensures quality patient care, continuity in health care delivery and minimal disruption for health board employees. Efficiencies gained in the current regional system will also be retained.

The transition plan will take about a year to implement and will see the establishment of a more community-responsive health care system based on nine District Health Authorities. The authorities will be smaller than the current regional health boards and will have formal links to Community Health Boards.

Nova Scotians have expressed concerns that the current regional health boards are too large and too far removed from local communities. The restructuring will help ensure that care is delivered more effectively and efficiently and allow communities to have more influence on health care decisions.

The first step in the transition occurred on Oct. 21, when governance of the four regional health boards was transferred to the Department of Health.