Nova Scotia Health taps HR firm to reduce MRI, ultrasound backlogs

Nova Scotia’s healthcare system is facing a significant backlog in diagnostic imaging services, particularly for MRIs and ultrasounds. To address this issue, the health authority has entered into a one-year contract with ProMed HR Solutions, a British Columbia-based company specializing in providing healthcare staffing solutions. The contract, signed in January with an optional one-year extension, is valued at up to $17.9 million and is aimed at alleviating the long wait times for diagnostic imaging procedures in the province.

The decision to bypass the traditional tendering process and opt for an untendered contract was made under the province’s procurement rules, which allow for such exceptions in urgent, specialized, or exceptional circumstances. This move reflects the pressing need to address the growing demand for diagnostic imaging services in Nova Scotia.

Wait times for diagnostic imaging in the province are among the highest in the country, with patients waiting an average of 291 days for an ultrasound and 335 days for an MRI. The increasing volume of procedures, with a 69% increase in MRI volume and a 41% increase in ultrasound volume over recent years, has further exacerbated the strain on the healthcare system.

Health Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the importance of reducing wait times and improving access to diagnostic imaging services. The contract with ProMed allows for a flexible and on-demand approach to staffing, enabling the health authority to extend service hours at hospitals and address staffing shortages more effectively.

While efforts to recruit permanent staff are ongoing, the reliance on private companies like ProMed is necessary to meet the immediate demand for diagnostic imaging services. The contract with ProMed is expected to enhance the capacity of the healthcare system and provide much-needed support in reducing wait times for patients in need of diagnostic imaging procedures.

Overall, the partnership with ProMed represents a strategic solution to address the challenges faced by Nova Scotia’s healthcare system in delivering timely and efficient diagnostic imaging services. By leveraging external resources and expertise, the health authority is taking proactive steps to improve patient care and enhance the overall efficiency of the diagnostic imaging process.