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Lack of doctors and nurses cited in new report tabled in the legislature.
Halifax (13 May 2010) - Emergency rooms (ERs) at hospitals around Nova Scotia were closed a total of 800 days last year, says a report tabled in the legislature by Health Minister Maureen MacDonald.
About half of the closures were unplanned, while the other half were scheduled shutdowns. The main problem, which was restricted to community hospitals rather than regional facilities, was a lack of doctors and nurses to keep ERs open.
MacDonald said the report sheds light on the situation and is another step in the government's plan to bring better health care to families.
"This report confirms a long-standing problem in a number of communities," she said. "Leadership is about sharing this information openly, so everyone knows the extent of the challenge, and can help shape the solutions."
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