News release

Musquodoboit Harbour Residents Getting Better Care Sooner at New CEC

Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians living in the Musquodoboit Harbour area are already seeing the benefits of same-day or next-day medical appointments and 24/7 access to emergency care at the collaborative emergency centre at the Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital.

Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson joined representatives from Capital Health in Musquodoboit Harbour today, Feb. 28, to officially open the province's newest CEC.

"Because of collaborative emergency centres, families across rural Nova Scotia have access to the care they need, when and where they need it," Mr. Wilson said. "CECs are an innovative solution that is helping to deliver on this government's commitment to providing better care sooner."

Since Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital moved to the CEC model in November, more than 1,600 patients have been treated by the team of doctors, nurses, and paramedics that staff the centre.

"Having a collaborative emergency centre in our district helps us to provide consistent and reliable care for the citizens of Musquodoboit Harbour and surrounding communities," said Barbara Hall, vice-president of patient-centred care, Capital Health. "Over the last few months, patients have had improved access to care by their family doctors plus 24/7 emergency care."

The centre serves Musquodoboit Harbour and surrounding areas, including Ship Harbour, Jeddore, Meaghers Grant, Porters Lake, Lake Echo and Mineville.

"The collaborative emergency centre model is helping us to provide more timely care for patients," said Dr. Robert Merritt, tri-facilities site chief. "Patients are able to make same-day appointments for their urgent health care needs that require prompt treatment."

Collaborative emergency centres are now open in Parrsboro, Springhill, Tatamagouche, Pugwash and Annapolis Royal. CECs have are also planned for Middle Musquodoboit, Lunenburg and New Waterford.

Other provinces are following Nova Scotia's progressive and innovative approach to health care. Saskatchewan announced it will implement a similar model after visiting Parrsboro, and Prince Edward Island is also looking into adopting the model.

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