Tag: Nova Scotia

Guest Post by Rob in Nova Scotia

Just thought I’d give you folks in States a look at what Free Health Care looks like. Over the years the one constant in being Canadian is the boast that health care is free and universal. The statement is half-true. It is only universal, free it isn’t. In my province year over year budget increases have been well over and above rate of inflation. The Health Budget is getting squeezed each progressive year but Governments have been able to paper over the cracks. Well it looks like the days of papering over the cracks has come to an end.

There is a limit to what can be done when wage increases and equipment purchases gobble up more and more of the money each year. What ends up happening is health care budgets cut the only place they can. Maintenance is easy place to start and health administrators know that if they neglect building long enough they will get a new one. This is the Premier Hospital in my Province and sad indictment of what our once proud boast has become. Responsible households have to set aside money for upkeep. Not governments though! It’s tear it down and get a new one. All one needs is an understanding bank and a cash advance on shiny new credit card. It’s no wonder this province is broke.

1. Victoria General Hospital, Halifax NS

Above: In January, a woman from Edmonton was in the VG for four days to donate a kidney. She described the conditions there as “third world”. So Turpin Laboratories had a look during the first week of February. Our researchers confined themselves to public spaces on just a few floors. No patients or staff were disturbed, or even noticed our team. By way of further context, note that in 2011 the NDP government announced that planning had begun for a new building. Last month, four years later, the Liberals also announced that planning had begun. And Turpin Labs has reason to believe Capital Health actually SUBMITTED a rebuilding plan to the Health Department in 2009. Where is it today? We bet the new convention centre will open before you ever see that plan.

2. Entrance to Centennial Building, VG

Above: OK. It needs paint. No big deal unless it’s typical, right? Turpin Labs is familiar with five Nova Scotia hospitals. Medical staff at the VG have been the best from a patient point of view — professional, accessible and attentive. But maintenance at the VG is by far the worst. Cape Breton Regional, often criticized in this respect, sparkles by comparison.

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