Policy Change Benefits French Nova Scotians

Nova Scotia's Acadian and francophone communities will benefit from a change to the Department of Health's long-term care placement policy announced today, May 10.

"We recognize the unique needs of Acadian and Francophone communities across the province in accessing important health services in French, including long-term care," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Changes to the placement policy will allow French-speaking Nova Scotians, and others with compelling circumstances, to wait for placement in the most suitable long-term care facility -- rather than being required to accept the first available bed."

Under the Facility Placement Policy, people who need long-term care have the opportunity to identify the facility where they would prefer to live, and to wait in the community until that facility becomes available.

The policy change will allow exceptions to the First Available Bed provision, where there are compelling circumstances, including language and cultural issues.

The First Available Bed provision applies primarily to individuals waiting in hospital for placement to a long-term care facility. Their names are placed on the wait list for all suitable long-term care facilities located within a 100 kilometre driving distance from their preferred community of residence. The individual is required to move to the first bed that becomes available which meets his/her needs and to remain there until a bed becomes available in their preferred facility.

For the Acadian and francophone communities, as for other minority communities, being moved to a facility under the First Available Bed provision can sometimes lead to isolation due to language and cultural differences, and transportation concerns for the family.

The policy change will benefit Acadians and francophone communities and other minority communities. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis through the assessment and placement process.

The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse and the Réseau Santé - Nouvelle-Écosse have held several consultations with the Acadian and francophone communities in the past several years on the issue of French-language health services. Access to continuing care services in French was one of the priorities identified.

According to the 2001 census, there are 36,750 Acadians and francophones residing in Nova Scotia, primarily in Cape Breton, Halifax Regional Municipality, and South Western Nova Scotia.

The province released a continuing care strategy this week which was developed as a result of provincewide consultations. The strategy includes recognition of Acadian and francophone issues in the provision of continuing care services, and respect and recognition of cultural and linguistic diversity, ethnicity and personal beliefs in the provision of continuing care services, programs and policies.

The policy change will be evaluated over the next six months.