Government Investing in Health Facilities

Nova Scotians who need dialysis treatment and other health services will benefit from investments in facilities and projects.

Government announced investments today, Dec. 23, for upgrades to health care buildings, systems, and equipment as part of the 2014-15 capital plan.

Patients in Halifax, Kentville, Bridgewater and Dartmouth will have better access to dialysis treatment with a $5 million investment in 2014-15 to expand services.

"Many Nova Scotians are traveling to receive dialysis and we continue to look at ways to make it more accessible," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "The Capital District Health Authority is in the process of building a new, 12-seat dialysis unit at the Halifax Infirmary. We are also planning new dialysis sites in Kentville, Dartmouth and Bridgewater in an effort to help patients get the treatment they need closer to home."

The capital plan also includes more than $20 million to continue planning, building and repairing medical facilities such as those in Bridgewater, New Glasgow and Pugwash.

"We need to make improvements to our aging facilities to address the growing needs of patients," said Mr. Glavine.

The plan also includes more than $8 million for information technology projects, including developing a permanent adverse event reporting system.

Other capital investments include $18 million to replace medical equipment and $5.6 million for ambulances.