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Health and Community Services
April 3, 2009

Atlantic Health Ministers Meet, Find Areas for Collaboration

Atlantic health ministers met in Halifax today, April 3, to discuss opportunities for collaboration with emphasis on health safety and quality, rising cost of pharmaceuticals, health human resources and reducing wait times.

The ministers acknowledged the extensive collaboration that is already happening.

The ministers agreed to continue discussions on health safety and quality activities. The four Atlantic provinces have discussed the benefits of regional activities, and their potential roles and responsibilities. While the provinces will continue to participate in the Canadian Patient Safety Institute at the national level and in their own provincial initiatives, Nova Scotia Health Minister Karen Casey stressed a regional approach is critical.

"We face many similarities when it comes to managing patient safety," said Ms. Casey. "Regional co-ordination is one way to ensure we are sharing best practices, offering the best services, and providing the greatest measure of protection for our citizens."

To further the work on wait times, Atlantic ministers agreed to endorse the Patient Access Working Group. It will identify efficiencies across Atlantic Canada to allow patients to have better access to medical attention.

"Our joint Atlantic work in health promotion and protection is critical to address many of the challenges we are all facing in our acute-care systems," said Pat Dunn, Nova Scotia Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "Promoting wellness and healthy living initiatives, including healthy food choices, physical activity and a reduction in smoking, will not only help more citizens to be healthier and safer, but also help to sustain health care overall."

The rising cost of pharmaceuticals was discussed extensively and the ministers agreed the Atlantic provinces should explore common policies on drug pricing.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services Minister Ross Wiseman said a federal effort would help further that work.

"We continue to work individually and collectively to find efficiencies within our drug programs to deal with the increasing needs of patients, and we firmly believe that a national pharmaceutical strategy is needed," said Mr. Wiseman. "We hope the Federal Government will fulfill its responsibilities and work with the provinces to move forward."

Prince Edward Island Health Minister Doug Currie said today's meeting is an important step.

"Improved collaboration helps us deal with the challenges we are all facing in respect to the ongoing sustainability of the health system," Mr. Currie said. "This is important activity that we hope to continue."

The next Atlantic health ministers' meeting will take place in Newfoundland and Labrador September 8-9.

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Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 03                                                    4:40 p.m.
 


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