Nova Scotia Buzz
According to newly released data through an NDP Freedom of Information request, there were 558 emergency department deaths during 2022 in Nova Scotia, the highest in the last six years. The NDP says the data also showed 43,000 people left the ER last year without being seen by a doctor.
It should be noted, not every case visiting a Nova Scotia emergency department is going to have a successful outcome. Many people who come to the ER are facing emergency health situations and life threatening injuries. The data does show deaths in Nova Scotia emergency departments are not improving and has increased the last two years.
“People want to know what’s going on with health care in Nova Scotia. There is very real concern from families across the province about the state of emergency care,” said Susan Leblanc, NDP Health and Wellness spokesperson. “This is a very serious situation. The Houston government needs to be upfront with people and launch an inquiry into the increasing number of ER deaths. Things have to get better for all Nova Scotians, now.”
“We are hearing from worried parents, seniors, and community members who want to know what the government is doing to reverse this awful trend, and are upset at the worsening state of health care,” said NDP Leader Claudia Chender. “An inquiry into emergency room deaths would help Nova Scotians understand what’s going on in our hospitals and what needs to be done to ensure no other family faces the same tragic situation as the Holthoff’s.”
Allison Holthoff arrived at the emergency department of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre around 11:00AM on New Year’s Eve. After being in the fetal position and her husband telling staff she was getting worse, it took Allison four hours to receive a room with no monitoring equipment. Allison’s cries for help were answered around 6:00PM and vitals were taken. Not long after, a code blue, which is called when there is cardiac arrest, would be paged.
If you have an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. The Mental Health Crisis Line operates 24/7 at 1-888-429-8167.
