Province's Fifth CEC Providing Better Care Sooner in Annapolis Royal Area

HEALTH AND WELLNESS--Province's Fifth CEC Providing Better Care Sooner in Annapolis Royal Area

• --------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotians like Wanitta Gregory in the Annapolis Royal area now have access to same or next-day medical appointments and 24/7 emergency care at the Collaborative Emergency Centre at the Annapolis Community Health Centre.

The centre was officially opened today, Nov. 9, by Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson.

More than 1,000 patients from this area have already benefitted from the care of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and paramedics since the centre opened in September.

"What a difference," said Ms. Gregory, of Young's Cove, who has used the new centre. "I got into my appointment on time and the doctor I saw really took the time to go over everything with me and answer my questions. I wasn't rushed and everyone was really supportive and friendly at the centre."

The new collaborative emergency centre is keeping the emergency room open, reducing patient wait times and providing a team-based approach that offers continuity of care. This will ensure patients can get the appropriate treatment before a minor health issue becomes a health crisis.

Nova Scotia has opened four other collaborative emergency centres since 2011 in Parrsboro, Springhill, Tatamagouche and Pugwash. One has also been announced for Musquodoboit Harbour.

Other provinces are following Nova Scotia's progressive and innovative approach to health care. Saskatchewan announced it will implement a similar model after visiting the one in Parrsboro.

"One of government's most important commitments is to ensure better care sooner for Nova Scotians and their families. Opening Nova Scotia's fifth collaborative emergency centre in Annapolis Royal further delivers on that commitment," said Mr. Wilson.

The services at the collaborative emergency centre in Annapolis Royal include:

• access to primary health care by a team of professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., seven days a week
• same-day or next-day access to medical appointments
• 24/7 access to emergency care.

Between 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., a team, including a primary care paramedic and a registered nurse, staff the centre to ensure patients get the care they need. An oversight physician provides assistance by phone.

"The collaborative emergency centre is a direct reflection of what we heard in the community – needing access to emergency care, as well as primary care," said Janet Knox, president and CEO, Annapolis Valley Health. "We've put our people at the heart of this model of care, ensuring same-day, next-day primary care appointments and the community now has comfort in knowing they have a 24/7 safety net."

Betty Mattson, Annapolis Valley Health board chair says the centre is a great example of innovative care at work in the community.

"This shift in care delivery has been a change for the better in this community and we’re proud to say that the feedback has been positive."

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