Gov't Responds to Nurse Issue

Subject: Nurse Practitioner Petition


> December 9, 2009
>
> Dear Sir or Madam:
>
> Thank you for your correspondence to the Honourable Darrell Dexter
> and/or me, in which you expressed support for the nurse practitioner at
> Long and Brier Islands. The Premier has asked me to respond to you on
> his behalf.
>
> This has not been an easy situation to resolve, as it is an
> employer/employee matter, as well as a healthcare issue. Employers and
> employees are subject to contracts with negotiated agreements and
> representation of employees by their unions.
>
> My department worked with all parties involved to identify any and all
> options that would result in a solution to this matter. I asked all
> parties to commit to talking, and to negotiate through a process of give
> and take. It is unfortunate and disappointing that the employee and
> employer have been unable to come to a resolution of this matter. In
> light of the failure of negotiations, I must now consider healthcare
> services for the people in Long and Brier Islands.
>
> Efforts to recruit a new nurse practitioner for the residents of Long
> and Brier Islands have resumed. In the interim, other nurse
> practitioners within the district are providing coverage for a minimum
> of two days a week, along with community paramedics, who provide 24-hour
> coverage, to ensure care for residents continues without interruption.
> Dr. K. Buchholz will also be providing some additional services in the
> community on an interim basis. We are working with the SWNDHA and are
> hopeful that the community can play a positive role in recruitment
> efforts.
>
> Improving people’s access to the health care services is a priority
> for our government, and we will do what we can to ensure the recruitment
> of another full-time nurse practitioner.
>
> I appreciate you writing to me about this matter. Concern for the
> health and well-being of all Nova Scotians is foremost in the Department
> of Health’s plan to make life better for today’s families, and I
> value hearing from Nova Scotians such as you.
>
> Yours truly,
>
>
>
> Maureen MacDonald
> Minister
>
> c: The Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier
> Blaise MacNeil, CEO, South West Nova District Health
> Authority