Minister Shares Health Care Innovation with Saskatchewan Minister

Nova Scotia showcased its innovative collaborative emergency centre (CEC) model to a Cabinet minister from Saskatchewan, today, July 26, highlighting how the approach is helping Nova Scotians receive better care sooner.

Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Health Minister Randy Weekes joined Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson on a tour of the CEC in Parrsboro.

"This is a great opportunity to share an innovative health-care model that is working in Nova Scotia," Mr. Wilson. "Collaborative emergency centres are one of the examples of innovation our premiers are discussing. I'm very proud of the positive changes we are making to Nova Scotia's health-care system."

Collaborative emergency centres keep emergency rooms open, reduce patient wait times and provide a team-based approach that offers continuity of care. This ensures patients can get the appropriate treatment before a minor health issue turns into a health crisis.

Saskatchewan health officials recently travelled to Nova Scotia to review the model which they found appealing because of the team approach under one roof.

"I am very excited to learn about the potential the collaborative emergency centre model holds for Saskatchewan as a way to address the challenges of health care delivery in rural and remote communities," said Mr. Weekes.

"Interest in this model of care has been steadily growing over the past months, and we are optimistic the CECs could benefit Saskatchewan residents. I am particularly pleased Dr. Vino Padayachee with the Saskatchewan Medical Association was able to join me and I look forward to working closely with other health-care providers as we consider this new team-based approach to care."

Nova Scotia's first collaborative emergency centre opened in Parrsboro in July 2011, and two others have opened in Springhill and Tatamagouche. Centres have been announced for Pugwash, Annapolis Royal and Musqudoboit Harbour.

The services at the centres include:

• access to primary health care by a team of professionals, including doctors and nurses, for 12 hours a day, seven days a week
• same-day or next-day access to medical appointments
• 24/7 access to emergency care.

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