Province Continues to Improve Health Funding Management, Accountability

The province is continuing its efforts to ensure health dollars are spent wisely to provide the best care possible for patients.

Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson announced today, Oct. 25, internal auditors will be hired for the health care system.

"We are supporting district health authorities as they strive to deliver better care sooner. At the end of the day, this move will help ensure that we receive value for money, and better frontline care," said Mr. Wilson.

District health authorities and the IWK Health Centre received $1.6 billion from the province this year.

"Behind the scenes of delivering quality health care is a large and complex system," said Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Nova Scotians expect us to make every dollar count by having the right controls in place."

Internal auditors will work with district health authorities and the IWK to review operational and financial processes. It also addresses concerns raised by the auditor general in November 2008 and April 2009.

The government's Internal Audit Centre will provide an additional seven staff to support internal audit services for district health authorities and the IWK. Any reports by auditors will be shared with the health authority or authorities involved.

Hiring will begin shortly, with all new positions expected to be filled by 2014-15. Funding has been found in existing budgets.

The Internal Audit Centre helps government departments and agencies improve risk management, control and governance, reduce risk of fraud, and provide a higher level of accountability. It is an independent body and reports to a committee of deputy ministers.