Collaborative Emergency Centre Will Provide Better Care for Western Annapolis

The province's fifth Collaborative Emergency Centre will open in Annapolis Royal, Health and Wellness ministerial assistant Gary Ramey announced today, Nov. 18.

People living in the community and surrounding areas will soon have access to same-day, or next-day medical appointments and 24/7 emergency care.

Creating the Collaborative Emergency Centres fulfills a key commitment of Better Care Sooner, government's response to Dr. John Ross's report.

The centres help address issues of emergency department overcrowding and long waits to see family doctors. They will keep emergency departments open, reduce patient wait times and provide a team-based approach that offers continuity of care.

"Residents of western Annapolis County were concerned about the care available to them in their communities. Today's announcement will bring them peace of mind because CECs ensure faster and consistent health care," said Mr. Ramey. "And more than anything else, Nova Scotians want peace of mind with regard to our health care.

"We made a commitment to ensure better health care for Nova Scotians and their families, and by announcing our fifth collaborative emergency centre, we are fulfilling that commitment."

Services at the centre include access to primary health care by a team of professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, for 12 hours per day, seven days per week, while providing emergency care 24/7.

"Annapolis Valley Health is committed to working with our community and the Department of Health and Wellness to develop the best centre for the area," said Janet Knox, president and CEO of Annapolis Valley Health. "We want to create the best support for our citizens."

Nova Scotia's first Collaborative Emergency Centre opened in Parrsboro in July.

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