Accountability Report on Emergency Departments Available

The annual Accountability Report on Emergency Departments in Nova Scotia was submitted to the Clerk of the House of Assembly, today, Dec. 21, and is now available to the public.

The 2015-16 report shows that while closures are up overall by 2.5 per cent, there were 23 per cent fewer unscheduled closures. The number of scheduled closures increased by 11 per cent due to staffing challenges in some hospitals.

The report details all emergency department closures at Nova Scotia Health Authority facilities and the IWK Health Centre. The report also includes the eight collaborative emergency centres in Nova Scotia.

"We are working to strengthen health care across the province by creating collaborative health care teams that can address people's needs before they need to visit the emergency room," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

"We are working with the Nova Scotia Health Authority to address staffing challenges. Soon, 22 new nurse practitioners and family practice nurses will join family practices across the province, giving thousands more Nova Scotians access to the health care they need.

"This is a key part of reducing the burden on our emergency rooms, and will help us recruit physicians and other health-care professionals to communities where they are needed most."

The Nova Scotia Health Authority continues to work with communities across the province to understand their specific needs and the most appropriate model of care to meet those needs.

To view the report, visit http://novascotia.ca/dhw/publications.asp .