The union representing paramedics in Nova Scotia will take the next few days to dig into a newly released report on the provinces ambulance system.
IUOE Local 727 spokesperson Michael Nickerson says they are cautiously optimistic most of the 68 recommendations included in the report will be implemented.
The report by Fitch and Associates says ambulances are spending too much time in non-emergency or non-productive situations. The firm found time spent waiting to offload patients is handcuffing many ambulances and leaving coverage stretched thin.
Nickerson explains paramedics are highly trained clinicians and transitioning from a transport system to a medical system represents positive change.
Health Minister Zach Churchill has issued a directive to the Nova Scotia Health Authority to reduce offload times.
“EHS is an essential part of Nova Scotians’ access to health care. Our new contract with Emergency Medical Care Inc. will redesign the system to provide the right resource, to the right person, at the right time, for the right reason,” said Mr. Churchill. “The delivery of emergency health care and the needs of our province has evolved and we are making the necessary changes to modernize and improve our system.”
The directive will set the standard time for offload from ambulance to emergency departments.
