P.E.I. Exploring Nova Scotia's Innovative Emergency Care Model

Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson was pleased to showcase Nova Scotia's innovative collaborative emergency centres to officials from P.E.I.

P.E.I. ministers Doug Currie, Health, and Wesley Sheridan, Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs, toured the collaborative emergency centres in Parrsboro and Springhill on Thursday, Jan. 17.

"Collaborative emergency are working to provide better care sooner for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Wilson. "Our province was happy to welcome Minister Currie and Minister Sheridan, as well as other officials from P.E.I., as they learn more about the many benefits of CECs."

The CEC model was created in 2010 in Nova Scotia to respond to emergency room closures that plagued the health system over the previous decade. CECs keep emergency rooms open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also ensure patients have access to same-day or next-day appointments with physicians. In the past, some patients waited up to six weeks to see a doctor.

"Collaborative Emergency Centres are working in Nova Scotia to address emergency department closures as well as long waits for primary care," said Mr. Currie. "I was excited to learn about the potential that this innovative health care model holds for the province of P.E.I."

Nova Scotia opened its first collaborative emergency centre in Parrsboro in July 2011. Since then, the province has opened CECs in Springhill and Tatamagouche, Pugwash, Annapolis Royal and Musqudoboit Harbour.

In July 2012, officials from Saskatchewan also traveled to Nova Scotia to learn more about CECs and about how this made in Nova Scotia health care model can benefit that province.

For more information on the province's Better Care Sooner plan , visit www.gov.ns.ca/health/bettercaresooner .