The Mayor of Shelburne is bewildered over a recent appointment of a Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) consultant.
Karen Mattatall was told the consultant will focus solely on health care issues in Shelburne, like ongoing closures of Roseway Hospital’s emergency department and the shortage of physicians and specialists.
She first learned about it after reading an online post from the NSHA.
“Suggesting that the health authority was looking for people to tell them what the issues are. I found that quite surprising. Wow, if they don’t know what the issues are now, how will they ever ?
Mattatall says she then received a call to set up an appointment with the consultant on June 24 for an interview.
She says her first question will be to ask why the health authority needs to hire a consultant to find out about the health care crisis in Shelburne.
Geoff Wilson, director of public engagement and community health board support for Nova Scotia Health Authority says they are very aware of the health care issues in Shelburne County.
We brought in a consultant to help us develop a plan and develop a process that’s aimed at creating a more constructive ongoing dialogue. It’s not a new position, rather we’ve contracted with an expert. It’s not a dedicated staff position.
He says they’re trying to drill down deeper into health care issues in Shelburne County and build stronger relationships in the community.
“It’s not about the health authority going in and imposing solutions based on what we think will be the right thing. It’s about going in and working with the community to identify some lasting solutions.
Mayor Mattatall says she was selected for the interview with the consultant because she was identified by the health authority as an “informant”about the issues. a term she found quite amusing.
She joked; “I have been very vocal and when I read the word ‘informant’ it made me think police protective custody.”
