N.S. health minister says work underway to address emergency room closures

Health Minister Michelle Thompson says she’s working hard to fix the issue of multiple emergency departments continuing to be closed across Nova Scotia. 

Seven emergency departments were closed for part of or the full day on Saturday. 

Thompson said the closures come down to being able to staff health-care workers. 

And while the province is working on recruiting and retaining health-care workers, Thompson said the Houston government has created more ways for patients to receive care. 

At the annual general meeting for the Progressive Conservatives at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax on Saturday, Thompson reminded the room of supporters of the recent health-care system changes. 

She said the government’s move to have community pharmacy primary care clinics and urgent treatment centres across Nova Scotia, as well as the addition of virtual care and a mobile app has helped relieve pressure from emergency rooms.

Thompson said there have also been results from the addition of a physician, nurse and clinical support paramedic working in the Emergency Health Services (EHS) Medical Communications Centre. 

Thompson said about 70 per cent of people who call 911 do not need emergency services. 

“They help us divert patients away from the emergency care system if they are not an emergency,” she said of the additions to the communications centre. 

“Now, four of the 10 patients through the work of the physician and the nurse in that call centre are now being diverted away from the emergency room and finding alternative plans of care.” 

Thompson said the provincial government is continuing to work with health-care professionals and communities to recruit and retain more workers to help with the strained system.