More Nursing Home Beds Confirmed for Halifax

Patients waiting for nursing-home care in hospital and in the community will have access to 72 more nursing-home beds in metro before the end of the year.

The announcement was made today, Oct. 17, by the Minister of Health, Chris d'Entremont.

"These interim beds will mean that families will be able to get care for their loved ones sooner," said Mr. d'Entremont. "This will help to relieve some of the pressure on health facilities and families until the 118 new beds for Capital Health are completed in 2010."

The 72 beds will be built and operated by Shannex, which was the successful bidder on a proposal awarded in September. The facility will be located in Dartmouth, and will be one of three residences at Parkland on the Lakes. The other two facilities offer seniors retirement-living suites or apartments. The interim beds will remain open until other new beds, announced as part of the Continuing Care Strategy, are constructed and operating in the Capital Health district.

This new facility, like the others to be built across the province, will reflect more home-like environments for smaller numbers of residents. Facility resources will include more social and recreation space, more personal space, and private rooms. This new 72-bed residence will also include nursing home suites designed to accommodate couples.

A 10-year plan to enhance and expand continuing care services in Nova Scotia was launched in spring 2006. The strategy includes a number of initiatives in five main areas: supporting individuals and families, supporting community solutions, investing in providers, strengthening continuing care services and investing in infrastructure.