Saturday, June 9, 2007

** Nova Scotia medics burdened by lengthy hospital turnaround times

** Drive to declare Alberta medics essential gains steam

** Saskatchewan recognizes outstanding medics

CANADA NEWS

** Nova Scotia paramedics are battling ever increasing turn around times at hospitals. That is the word from the Halifax Daily News (Jennifer Taplin/June 7) which said stats see medics spend as much as 160 minutes with patients before being able to return to the field. Provincial targets sit around 20 minutes. Contained in a report released by the auditor general, the figures are apparently not raising eyebrows with the NDP health critic. Dave Wilson, who is also a former paramedic, said the problem is ongoing and getting worse. Wilson said back-ups at one hospital merely trickle down to impact another. Liberal MLA Diana Whalen agreed with Wilson, saying the province should consider setting up 24-hour clinics to divert less urgent patients away from ERs.

** The drive to have Alberta paramedics declared an essential service is gaining steam, with Premier Ed Stelmach saying he is in favour of the move. The CanWest News Service (June 7) quoted Stelmach as saying his government is now looking into the possibility. A report on the matter from Employment, Immigration and Industry Minister Iris Evans is expected to be complete within a few weeks.

** Saskatchewan is holding its EMS Professional Recognition Ceremony next Wednesday. The June 13 service, which will see Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart attend, will include the presentation of Saskatchewan Stars of Life Awards to professionals recognized as having had outstanding careers. Governal General of Canada EMS Exemplary Service Medals will also be given to 16 practitioners. The award is the highest honour a paramedic can receive in Canada.The ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. at Government House in Regina.