The provincial liberals recently released their healthcare platform and Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill is discussing it.
“We have the only plan that’s really targeting some of the root challenges in our healthcare system,” says Churchill. “We have the most robust infrastructure plan that this province has seen in a generation when it comes to healthcare.”
He added that its an exciting time for healthcare renewal in the province.
“It’s coming at a really critical junction too,” says Churchill “There has been a lot of strain on our system and of course people are tired in the system. It’s important for them to know that more help is on the way.”
For doctor recruitment, Churchill says modern facilities and financial incentives, such as covering medical tuition, will help entice doctors to work in rural Nova Scotia.
He added they are working on improving community support for internationally trained doctors coming into the province, and approximately 80 doctors will be coming in the fall.
The liberals are also working towards a goal of opening eight mental health walk-in clinics across the four healthcare zones. $4 million will be invested annually.
A large part of the plan is adding 500 new beds for long term care, as well as major renovations to replace close to 3000 beds. Churchill says every new build is going to be single rooms.
There will also be investments for those that require home care, so they can age in their own home.
Churchill says COVID-19 forced them to maximize the use of digital technology for virtual care.
“It’s not something we were fully taking advantage of before COVID-19 and there’s no turning back now,” says Churchill. “We know that we can reach more people and give them better access to quality care by expanding our virtual options for them.”
He says soon everyone in Nova Scotia will have access to virtual care while they wait to be attached to a family physician. An investment of $6 million is being made.
