COUNTERPOINT

FEAR-MONGERING ON HEALTH CARE

A recent letter to the editor from Liberal leadership candidate Zach Churchill would have Nova Scotians believe that our health-care system is on the brink of collapse. I value the opinion of all Nova Scotians, including those in opposition whose job is to hold the government to account. What I cannot support is a narrative designed to create fear, not solutions.

The truth? Our health-care system is challenged. There are deep-rooted, long-standing issues with our health-care system that previous governments have failed to address.

The pandemic has stressed the system even more. Our government has produced a plan to transform health care in Nova Scotia. Last fall, we took the time to visit health-care providers across the province to better understand their concerns. We didn’t just talk; we listened. We developed our Action for Health plan based on the voices, experiences, and solutions from health-care workers. It is a direct response to what we heard from those on the front line.

It may not be the plan that the MLA from Yarmouth wants or likes, but as a former minister of Health and Wellness, he had more than enough opportunity to release a plan of his own. Yet, Action for Health is the first healthcare plan released in a generation.

Our plan identifies six solutions, and steps we will take toward them. It is flexible and will adapt to the needs of our patients and healthcare workers.

Another truth: change will not happen overnight. Our vision is ambitious and our plan is carefully considered. Putting it into action will require time, energy and money — something we have always been honest and upfront about with Nova Scotians.

In the absence of a plan from previous governments, our health-care system has been carried on the backs of health-care providers. It brought into sharp focus the role of those who work within the health-care system, and the lengths they go through for patients. We value and respect their work greatly and we will do everything we can to improve their work experience.

I know COVID-19 continues to be a concern for many Nova Scotians. The transition phase of a pandemic can be very scary for some. I understand and respect that. Public Health has advised us that reporting weekly is still necessary so we can track the virus over time. Reporting daily is not. There is virus circulating and it may never go away. Cases will continue to rise and fall. However, we have a highly vaccinated population and vaccine available for those who want it. Nova Scotians know how to protect themselves: masking, proper hand hygiene, testing, staying home when we’re sick, and limiting social contacts when we feel it is necessary.

Eight months ago, Nova Scotians voted for change in health care. We have a plan for change, informed by the concerns of healthcare workers. And we will follow through. Michelle Thompson is Nova Scotia’s minister of Health and Wellness