Budget Bulletin: Investing More in Public Health and Safety Expertise

FINANCE--Budget Bulletin: Investing More in Public Health and Safety Expertise

In 2004-05, an additional $550,000 will be invested in infectious disease control, environmental health and other public health issues by hiring more public health experts. The additional resources will enable the department to manage the growing range of public health issues surrounding new and emerging diseases, while continuing to handle other duties such as immunization programs and safe drinking water.

The funding is earmarked for seven new positions:

• a second medical officer of health for the Capital Health district;
• a medical officer of health, to monitor environmental health issues;
• an epidemiologist, to monitor and respond to outbreaks of infections or diseases;
• a public health nurse consultant, communicable disease;
• a senior public health inspector;
• a part-time disaster-planning specialist;
• one additional administrative support.

The Naylor Report on SARS, a report commissioned last year by the federal government, highlighted the need for a steady investment over time in the training of both new and existing public health staff.

Nova Scotia is acting on Naylor's short-term recommendations response for provinces and territories. The report also calls for increased federal public health investment.

More money is also being made available for additional vaccines for children: we will continue to expand the chicken pox vaccine program and introduce a new vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough for 14- to 16-year-olds.

Nova Scotians have the best ambulance services in the country, thanks to our highly trained paramedics. Additional investments in training and equipment for first responders and wage increases for paramedics will maintain this excellent service.

PROTECTING NOVA SCOTIA FROM TODAY'S NEW THREATS
The Department of Health has begun an emergency planning, preparedness and response initiative for the province's health- care system. This will be a response plan for hazards ranging from SARS, West Nile Virus, pandemic flu, through to terrorist-associated chemical, radiation or biological events.

The plan will be consistent with the National Health Emergency Management Framework, and include such components as public health measures, health and emergency services, surveillance and communication activities. Participants in this initiative include the district health authorities, the Department of Community Services and several elements of the Department of Health.

When combined with the additional public health officials being recruited by the department, the plan will make Nova Scotia better prepared to deal with threats to our public health.

NOTE: For further 2004-05 budget information, see the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .