South Shore lab wait times worrying

Decision to centralize health authority having negative impact

HALIFAX – NDP Health and Wellness spokesperson Tammy Martin says new information about long wait times for laboratory services on the South Shore shows the Liberals’ decision to create a centralized health authority is having a negative impact, especially in rural Nova Scotia.

“It’s unacceptable that Nova Scotians who may have cancer or other serious health concerns are waiting four to six weeks for lab results,” said Martin. “These delays not only cause unnecessary stress for the people waiting for the results, but could negatively impact health outcomes for patients who need immediate treatment.”

The issue of wait times of four to six weeks on the South Shore has been raised by former Deputy Minister of Health Kevin MacNamara. MacNamara has said that regional hospitals should have the necessary capacity to process lab tests locally.

Many communities have raised concerns about the negative impact of the centralized health authority on access to health care in rural areas. In Cape Breton, doctors have been critical of the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s decision-making processes.

“Under the Liberal government, emergency room closures are up, the number of people without a family doctor continues to rise, nursing home budgets have been cut two years in a row, and now we see long wait times for lab services on the South Shore” said Martin. “This government needs to change course and invest in making sure Nova Scotians have equal access to health care in every part of the province.”

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