Financial Review of Health Authorities in Western Region

An external auditor will review the financial position of the three health districts in the western part of the province starting the week of March 4-8. The review is in response to concerns raised by the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority about the accuracy of the numbers it used to reflect its financial position. The Department of Health shares those concerns.

The district health authorities for the South Shore and South West Nova volunteered to be part of the audit. The three districts have shared financial services since they were one entity under the former Western Regional Health Board structure.

"The board and executive staff are anxious for the review to take place," said Anne McGuire, CEO, Annapolis Valley District Health Authority. "We need to ensure that both the district and the department are working with the right numbers."

It is common management practice in matters of this nature to remove staff directly associated with the area under review until the audit is complete. As a result, the financial manager for the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority has been relieved of all regular duties while the audit takes place.

"The ultimate goal is to ensure that we have the best financial information possible," said Cheryl Doiron, associate deputy minister of Health. "Staff in the Valley district were very open with their concerns, which the department shares. The voluntary involvement from the two other districts is indicative of the caliber of people working on the boards. Everyone wants to ensure we are working with correct information."

Members of the three district boards were advised of the situation today and this evening.

The review will be conducted by Ernst and Young.