(NB-ER-Patients)
A new report says only a third of emergency room patients in New Brunswick hospitals are seen by a doctor within the appropriate amount of time.
The report from the province’s auditor general says the Department of Health does not have effective oversight mechanisms to ensure timely access to emergency services.
The audit found that even patients with the most urgent need only saw a doctor in a timely fashion 56 per cent of the time.
The audit analyzed more than 1-point-7 million emergency department visits per year between 2020 and 2024.
(CBC News)
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(NB-Emergency-Wait-Times)
New Brunswick’s auditor general released a report today saying emergency room wait times are consistently exceeding established targets.
Paul Martin says there are problems with insufficient treatment spaces and a budget that is not based on current needs.
As well, he cites significant gaps in the Health Department’s oversight and reporting mechanisms.
Martin is recommending the department draft a strategy to address excessive wait times.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Sipeknekatik-Ban)
The Sipekne’katik First Nation has banned Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, Attorney General Scott Armstrong, and Minister of L’nu Affairs Leah Martin from its land.
The First Nation near Shubenacadie calls the politicians ‘undesireables’ in a news release posted to social media yesterday.
The release says that a signed band council resolution declares that the Nova Scotia government has no jurisdiction on reserve lands.
Chief Michelle Glasgow said Houston’s government has violated constitutionally-protected Mi’kmaw rights, and that any trespassing on their land is subject to a 50-thousand dollar fine.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NL-US-Booze)
Newfoundland and Labrador will sell off its stockpile of U-S booze and donate the proceeds to charity.
The provincial government pulled American liquor products off the shelves earlier this year in response to tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Finance Minister Craig Pardy says the province would make about 1-million dollars from the sale of the booze, and it will donate that money to the Community Food Sharing Association in St. John’s.
Manitoba announced last week that it would put U-S booze back on the shelves to sell off for charity, following a similar move by Nova Scotia.
(The Canadian Press)
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NB-Collaborative-Care)
The New Brunswick government says a clinic expansion in Bathurst yesterday marks the 10th collaborative care centre opened this year in the province.
The government says the current Clinique Médicale Centre-Ville serves about 58-hundred patients.
New funding will allow the clinic to partner with physiotherapists and pharmacies, and add training space next year.
The New Brunswick government had promised to establish and support at least 10 collaborative care teams this year. (CBC News)
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(NL-Porch-Thefts)
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid so-called porch pirate thefts.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says people buying gifts online should consider having them mailed to their workplace or a friend’s house if they won’t be home for delivery.
The force recommends scheduling deliveries, if possible, and installing door cameras.
Police say residents should get to know their neighbours, who can be asked to pick up packages delivered when someone isn’t home.
(The Canadian Press)
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(Atlantic Update by The Canadian Press)
