Budget Bulletin: Better Access to Cardiac Care

Nova Scotians will soon have faster access to important cardiac tests and surgeries.

In 2003-04, $5 million will be invested in the Capital Health cardiac program at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) in Halifax. The funding will be used to hire more staff and purchase equipment for diagnostic tests and surgeries for cardiac patients from all across Nova Scotia.

Currently, most-urgent cardiac patients get surgery within three days, well within the seven-day national standard. However, patients who can go home to wait for surgery, with restrictions on their physical activities, are waiting longer than the nationally recommended time frames.

Don Ford, president and chief executive officer of the Capital District Health Authority, said, "This investment will significantly reduce wait times and have lasting benefits for patients and their families."

More patients needing cardiac tests from other hospitals across the province will be transferred by Nova Scotia's air ambulance. This year, approximately $400,000 is being invested to get 150 to 200 to patients to the QEII more quickly. The trip by air is easier on patients and helps them to return to their local hospitals and their families more quickly.

These investments are the first steps in the province's strategy to reduce wait lists for tests and treatment in priority areas. The wait list strategy is outlined in Your Health Matters, the government's health plan.

NOTE: For further 2003-04 budget information, visit the Department of Finance Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .