Health Ministry Accounting Irregularity

JOINT STATEMENT



For immediate release



November 9, 2009 – Annapolis Valley Health, South Shore Health and South West Health have recently detected a significant accounting irregularity within their shared financial services impacting all three Districts.



The matter was reported to the Kentville Town Police Department and an investigation is ongoing. Criminal Charges are possible. The three Health Authorities are also together conducting their own forensic audit.



As a result of its own internal investigation, an employee based at Annapolis Valley Health has been dismissed for cause.



The full extent of these circumstances will not be known until the police investigation and audit are complete.



The three Health Authorities are cooperating fully with the police investigation and are unable to release any further detail pending completion of the investigation.



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For clarification please call,



Tamara Gilley, AVH

(902) 538-3468



Theresa Hawkesworth, SSH

(902) 527-2266



Fraser Mooney, SWH

(902) 749-