Nova Scotia opposition wants more accountability on ‘frightening’ ER problems
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NDP Leader Claudia Chender called for Health Minister Michelle Thompson and provincial health authority CEO Karen Oldfield to appear before the legislature’s health committee on Thursday — a request that was later turned down.
The call came amid public concern over the recent deaths of two patients after lengthy waits in Nova Scotia ERs _ many of which are overcrowded and understaffed.
“What we need is some transparency,” Chender said in an interview. “I think Nova Scotians are frightened and they’re upset and they deserve to understand what’s happening.”
Chender said an appearance before the committee is about public accountability, adding that it’s often the only way to get solid answers from officials.
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Chender said her party is particularly interested in getting a response to a letter that was sent last week to Oldfield and Thompson by the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union.
The letter characterized the staffing situation at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department as a “revolving door” of junior and inexperienced employees, and included a list of 59 suggestions from nurses and other staff to address areas including staffing levels, recruitment and retention, security and morale.
“Committees are where we are able to ask senior bureaucrats details about what’s going on ? our health-care system is in crisis, so it’s only fitting that we use the tools available to us,” said Chender.
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