Minister Releases Environmental Health Centre Review
Health Minister Jamie Muir said today the recommendations in a review of the Environmental Health Centre in Fall River will be used to improve the operations of the facility.
"The review identified the need to develop stronger links between the centre and Dalhousie University and the new Capital Health District," said Mr. Muir. "The review team also recommends the Environmental Health Centre have in place the same accountability standards that exist in other treatment and research facilities in Nova Scotia."
"We accept these recommendations and look forward to working with staff from the centre as well as staff from the Dalhousie Medical School and the Capital Health District to help improve this unique facility," said the minister. "I believe this closer association will help resolve any concerns the public might have had about the centre."
Dr. Jeff Scott, the province's chief medical officer, said he is eager to see the Environmental Health Centre more closely associated with the rest of the province's treatment and research system.
"The review team made several recommendations aimed at improving accountability in patient care and research. I believe stronger links with the rest of our health-care system will help resolve any accountability issues and improve the centre's ability to provide effective and safe patient care, while ensuring that high-quality research takes place," said Dr. Scott.
The government initiated a review last year in response to some concerns about the Environmental Health Centre. The facility was established as a full-time clinic in 1994. Governance is provided by a steering committee with representatives from the Dalhousie University faculty of medicine, the Nova Scotia Department of Health, the Medical Society of Nova Scotia as well as representatives from the community and complementary health professions. Almost 700 people are currently involved with research activities at the Environmental Health Centre. A copy of the report can be found on the Department of Health Web site at http://www.gov.ns.ca/health .
Three internationally recognized scientists--Dr. Irvin Broder, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto; Dr. Robert McMurtry, Health Canada; and Dr. Robert Peterson also with Health Canada--visited the centre last May to conduct their review.
"I want to thank the review team for their work," said Mr. Muir. "These recommendations will help the Environmental Health Centre evolve and better serve people who need care."