NSNDP

March 15th, 2018

Premier must release Code Census information

The NSHA should release important information like ERs overcrowding

HALIFAX – The NDP Caucus is calling on Premier Stephen McNeil to compel the Nova Scotia Health Authority to release data about overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms.

Health care workers used to be able to call Code Census in hospitals when the emergency department was overcrowded because of a lack of available beds in the hospital. The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) reports that front-line workers are no longer allowed to call Code Census.

“The public has a right to know what is happening in our hospitals,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “We are hearing from patients, paramedics, nurses, doctors and health care workers that the situation in our hospitals has reached a tipping point. Hiding the crisis won’t fix it.”

The NDP has introduced legislation to stop the Health Authority from holding its meetings in secret and to start releasing more information about health care services to the public.

“The Premier has acknowledged that the Health Authority should be more transparent. He can start by requiring the release of information about overcrowding in our emergency rooms,” said Burrill.

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