Sites Picked For Single Entry Access Demonstration

Two of the new District Health Authorities in Nova Scotia have been chosen as demonstration sites for single entry access models.

The single entry sites are designed to simplify entry for seniors to various continuing care services that fall under the mandate of the Department of Health. These services include health and social services such as home care, long term care, small options homes, community residences and residential care facilities.

The goal of the system is to ensure that seniors are able to access the most appropriate and most cost-effective services as easily as possible.

"We've known for a long time that a single entry access model is needed, and I'm very pleased that we're moving beyond discussions and on to demonstration projects," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "Establishing a single entry access model will allow us to consider a range of services that best suit the needs of our seniors who need continuing care."

The demonstration sites are Districts 7 and 8, which cover health care programs and facilities in the eastern region of the province and Cape Breton. The sites will demonstrate key components and processes involved with implementing the models.

The start date for the demonstration projects is Oct. 1. The date for implementing a single entry access system provincewide is April 1, 2001,.