In April of 2015 it was official - the health system has been reformed in a major way! We now have one helath authority with the IWK operationg along side. This is truly a move that makes sense, in my opinion.
In a press report the then new Minister of Health and Wellness stated that the transition to two health districts will save only $23m (a relatively small sum) and that will be offset by the reduction in transfer payments of $23m from the federal government because of the change in the funding formula. It seemed to me that the minister may have been apologizing because the saving was so small and we would not see the benefit of the change. He also said that despite these misgivings he did following through with the change.
The point that the Minister may have missed is that this change is not only an economic issue but will lead to a system that will better serve the needs of the population. The reduction in the small 'p' politics between districts alone (and there are many other factors) will lead to a much more efficient system. That will result in a healthier population, therefore a more productive population and therefore more tax revenue.
Side note 1: For five years I served on the Board of Directors of Capital Health. Dr. Ed Kinley was one of my colleagues on the Board. Ed is a recent inductee to the Order of Nova Scotia.
Side Note 2: Capital Health is the quaternary referral centre for the Atlantic Provinces.
Reviewed May 2015