Health and Community Services
June 11, 2015
Supporting Sustainable Health Care
Minister of Health and Community Services Responds to Auditor General Report
The latest Auditor General report features three reviews pertaining to the Department of Health and Community Services – the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, Personal Care Home Regulations, and Nutrition Planning and Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities.
“I thank the Auditor General for his extensive reviews on clinical nutrition, prescription drugs and personal care homes, which are all vital aspects in the delivery of health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Staff are now reviewing the recommendations and are working with the regional health authorities to improve monitoring and quality assurance at both personal care homes and long-term care facilities to address identified issues and strengthen monitoring to help ensure seniors receive quality services. As well, efforts are underway to finalize audit policies and procedures for the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Other items and actions arising out of the Auditor General’s report include:
- A comprehensive review of personal care home Operating Standards has begun. Under the current practice, the Department of Health and Community Services has been reviewing and making modifications to the standards as issues arise;
- The Operational Standards for long-term care facilities are also under review and a performance monitoring framework is being developed. Regional health authorities update policies based on best practice in accordance with the Operational Standards. All publicly-funded long-term care homes in the province are accredited by a national, independent organization – Accreditation Canada; and
- In-depth consultations with the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador are ongoing in order to implement new regulations, policies and procedures for the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
“As we continue work towards our five-year plan for a sustainable healthcare system, we place high value on the feedback and suggestions provided by the Auditor General. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to seek new and innovative high-quality approaches to delivering health and community services to the people of the province.”
- Minister Kent
With an investment of nearly $3 billion, Budget 2015 continues the Provincial Government’s focus on supporting health and wellness, improving patient care and producing better value to help ensure a sustainable health care system.
QUICK FACTS
- The latest Auditor General report features three reviews pertaining to the Department of Health and Community Services – the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, Personal Care Home Regulations, and Nutrition Planning and Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities.
- Health and Community Services staff are reviewing the recommendations and are working with regional health authorities to improve monitoring at both personal care homes and long-term care facilities to help ensure seniors receive quality services.
- Efforts are underway to finalize audit policies and procedures for the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
- Consultations are ongoing with the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador in order to implement new regulations, policies and procedures of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
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Media contact:
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John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
2015 06 11 3:45 p.m.