HomeCare Physiotherapy Service to Be Transferred

The Department of Health and The Arthritis Society, Nova Scotia division, announced today, March 5, they will work together to transfer the not-for-profit organization's HomeCare Physiotherapy program to another provider by March 31, 2003.

"We respect The Arthritis Society's decision to transfer this service," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "Together, we will work over the next year to make sure the clients who have been served will continue to be served without disruption. I appreciate the timely notice."

The Department of Health is now beginning work to have continuing care delivered under the control of the district health authorities around the province, rather than centralized in Halifax. For The Arthritis Society, the timing was opportune to begin discussions around transferring responsibility for delivery of its HomeCare Physiotherapy program. The change will allow the organization to focus on its mandate to provide education, information and support and to promote arthritis research, rather than to deliver physiotherapy services.

"The Arthritis Society is pleased with the government's commitment to continue community rehabilitation services for Nova Scotians," said Don Mills, board chairperson of the Nova Scotia division. "We look forward to working together to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the successful transition of the service to the district health authorities."

Mr. Muir said that the $300,000 currently in the budget for home care physiotherapy would remain there for this service. Every effort will be made to prevent job losses. Currently, the program employs 15 physiotherapists and delivers services to 1,500 house-bound patients and to a number of long-term care facilities.

"The purpose of transferring services to the districts is to improve their effectiveness for clients," said Mr. Muir. "With districts controlling all health care directly -- from home care, to acute care to long-term care -- they can more accurately plan for the needs of their population. As well, there are more opportunities for sharing services, for example, joint purchasing arrangements between hospitals and nursing homes. We can't do that kind of local arrangement from Halifax."

The minister said the Department of Health would continue to set standards and policies. The planning process for moving home care service delivery to the district health authorities is just beginning now and will directly involve the districts, service providers such as The Arthritis Society, and community members. The planning process is expected to take about 10 months, with implementation in the following year.