The president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, says the province’s lastest investments in health care pale in comparison to what is being spent in other areas.
Jason MacLean was reacting to the $2.5 million the province is planning on spending to help prevent bedsores in long-term care facilities.
He took aim at the $8.5 million the province plans on spending to renovate the ferry terminal in Maine.
Bay Ferries is looking to change the Yarmouth Ferry’s port of call to Bar Harbour.
Maclean is worried about the province’s priorities are in the upcoming budget, which is set to be released Tuesday.
“So far through all their announcements, what they’re saying to us ‘is giving the Americans $8.5 is more important than making sure that Nova Scotians have good health care and are going to be safe in the health care system.”
MacLean says Nova Scotia needs more long-term care facilities in order to alleviate pressure on ERs.
NSGEU has put out several news releases this week, highlighting what they believe is a shortage of nurses and overburdening of ERs.
The Nurses Union is expected to make a media appearance Monday to address those issues as well.
Meanwhile, the Nova Scotia government says a new $1.68 million dollar agreement with the Canadian Red Cross will allow long-term care homes to access equipment like special air mattreses easier and faster.
Long-term care homes will be able to keep a steady supply of equipment on site, rather than waiting for it to be shipped from the Canadian Red Cross.
Health Minister Randy Delorey:
“For the equipment we are actually going through the Red Cross … because they already provide a number of different equipment programs to our long term care facilities,” says Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey.
The government also announced they are spending $800,000 to purchase 209 new ceiling lifts to help long-term care workers move residents more safely.
This is the latest of several initiatives taken by the province since several high profile cases involving bedsores and pressure injuries came to light last summer, including the death of a 40-year-old woman.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca
