News release

Province Puts Total Care First in Shelburne

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine today, Oct. 26, discussed issues related to Roseway Emergency Department in Shelburne and overall health care in Shelburne County during a presentation with Janet Knox, president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Mr. Glavine said new doctors and nurses have started work or will soon start work in the area, and advanced-care paramedics have begun orientation at Roseway Hospital.

The province also recently announced a new primary health-care collaborative centre in Shelburne and is investing $1.65 million in the centre.

"Shelburne needs reliable emergency care, and that is one important piece of the health-care picture in this area," said Mr. Glavine. "The province is committed to emergency care in the area, and we are committed to working with the new health authority as they enhance service delivery in the region."

The province and the authority have many changes coming to the area that are outlined in their presentation, including:

  • two new family physicians starting in 2016, bringing the total number of doctors to 9.5 in Barrington, Clarks Harbour and Shelburne
  • one of the new physicians has been recruited under the province's Tuition Relief program, which provides funding to encourage doctors to work in under-serviced areas
  • three nurse practitioners and one family practice nurse work in the area, in addition to existing registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
  • a new registered nurse has started work at Roseway
  • four new advanced-care paramedics have begun orientation at Roseway
  • six new locum physicians have been identified. A locum physician is one who fills in for another doctor for a set period
  • Roseway's first registered nurse student bursary winner will begin work at the hospital after graduation in May
  • provincial nursing strategy funding has been used to place registered nurse students for summer placements
  • Nurses from Yarmouth and Digby are covering shifts at Roseway

"These are important discussions," said Mr. Glavine. "We welcome ongoing conversations about health care and how we deliver the best possible care for Nova Scotians."