District Health Authorities' Business Plans Approved

The priorities for health-care services in Nova Scotia have been confirmed with the approval of six district health authority business plans by the provincial government. In total, funding to all district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre has increased by $102 million this fiscal year over the previous year.

Health Minister Angus MacIsaac said today, Aug. 9, he recognized the challenges faced by the districts in setting and meeting balanced budgets.

"We know the district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre face continuous pressures and challenges to deliver the kind of care Nova Scotians need and want. That's why we've committed half of the department's total increase in health-care spending to these organizations for the delivery of quality programs and services to Nova Scotians," said Mr. MacIsaac.

Business plans have been approved for the IWK Health Centre, Capital Health, South Shore Health, South West Health, Annapolis Valley Health, and the Cape Breton District Health Authority.

The money budgeted to district health authorities will be used to maintain core services, to address increased costs related to drugs and other supplies, and to address cost pressures related to wage settlements. It will also allow the districts to continue to roll out new and expanded health-care services. Some new initiatives for this year include a 21-bed expansion for Valley Regional Hospital, a new palliative care program in Yarmouth, a methadone clinic and expanded renal dialysis services in Cape Breton, the construction of a new Cobequid Community Health Centre, and money to complete the implementation of a new genetics counselling service at the IWK Health Centre.

In addition to the $102-million increase, another $29 million dollars from the 2004 first ministers' meeting will help support additional capital projects, address drug costs, purchase much-needed equipment and help to train and recruit health professionals. The province is also investing millions more in other programs and services that will have a direct impact on patient care across the province. Some of those new initiatives for 2005-06 include an investment in pain management, assistance for low-income Nova Scotians with diabetes, and money to expand mental health services. More than $1.1 billion of the Department of Health's budget is spent on emergency health services, long-term care and home care, physician services, and Pharmacare programs across the province.

Discussions are still underway with Colchester East Hants Health Authority, Cumberland Health Authority, Pictou County Health Authority, and Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority, to finalize their business plans.

Government's priorities for health care are outlined in Your Health Matters, its health strategy released in 2003. These priorities include health promotion, improving access through shorter wait lists, seniors' care and health services in communities.

At $1.2 billion, the budget for the district health authorities, accounts for almost half of the Department of Health's 2005-06 budget of $2.6 billion.

NOTE: Below is a list of the 2005-06 budget estimates approved for each of the six district health authorities, as well as the percentage increase for this year compared to last.

IWK Health Centre: $141.1 million, 9.37 per cent

Capital Health: $537.1 million, 10.21 per cent

South Shore Health: $46.8 million, 6.82 per cent

South West Health: $57.6 million, 7.45 per cent

Annapolis Valley Health: $74.7 million, 7.70 per cent

Cape Breton District Health Authority: $178.8 million, 7.24 per cent