Investments for Better Health Care

Nova Scotians will continue to receive better access to health care closer to home as a result of $4.2 million in federal funding commitments announced today, Oct. 13, by Health Minister Angus MacIsaac.

"Investing in the right equipment is one of the key factors in shortening wait times and improving access to care," said Mr. MacIsaac. "This money will help ensure Nova Scotians can continue to access testing and treatment services where and when they need them. And by building the capacity of our health-care system we also support efforts to recruit and retain the right mix of health professionals for our province."

The investment comes from the federal medical equipment fund, which was established in February 2003 by the federal-provincial first ministers. Counting today's commitment, $54.7 million has been invested through the fund in the purchase of capital equipment and in specialized technical training in Nova Scotia.

The $4.2 million is being allocated to district health authorities based on priorities they identified through this year's business planning process.

The investment is being made to the following district health authorities:

• South West Nova Scotia: $190,000 for mechanical washer for the sterile processing department
• Annapolis Valley: $376,000 for electrocardiograph equipment
• Colchester East Hants: $650,000 for general radiology
• Cumberland: $280,000 for echo ultrasound equipment
• Pictou County: $296,000 for cart washer disinfector
• Guysborough Antigonish Strait: $280,000 for IV infusion pumps
• Cape Breton: $650,000 for digital fluoroscopy
• Capital: $1,500,000 for anesthesia/telemetry.

The South Shore District Health Authority received $1.4 million earlier this year, which was used for an ultrasound unit, digital radiography unit, anesthesia, and a pharmacy system upgrade. And the IWK Health Centre was previously allotted $2.02 million from the fund for a gamma camera, 12 ventilators, and 22 incubators.

The allocation of Nova Scotia's 2004-05 portion of the federal medical equipment fund is consistent with commitments in Your Health Matters, Nova Scotia's multi-year plan for better health care, and with the government's commitment to ensure that all federal health dollars are used to improve the health of Nova Scotians.