Minister Receives Air Ambulance Review

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Nova Scotia's air ambulance system has sophisticated clinical systems, a strong safety culture, and a focus on patient outcomes, according to a report on the Emergency Health Services (EHS) LifeFlight program presented today, Oct. 20, to Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.

In February 2006, the Department of Health awarded a contract to review the EHS LifeFlight program to Fitch and Associates, an internationally recognized consulting firm with specific expertise in air ambulance services. The review included an analysis of clinical systems, safety, organizational structure and relationships, financial performance, service delivery and general program operational parameters.

"This report again confirms that Nova Scotians have one of the best air ambulance programs in North America," said Mr. d'Entremont. "I'm pleased that the report focuses heavily on safety and patient care, confirming our position that safety and clinical skills, rather than speed, needs to remain the primary criteria for decision-making as it relates to the EHS LifeFlight Program.

"At the same time, the report indicates where we can make improvements to make the program even better for patients, for the hospitals and health-care providers we work with, and for EHS LifeFlight staff. We are doing well, but there are still some things we can do better."

While the report notes that EHS LifeFlight meets or exceeds industry standards in every facet of its operation, it also details 29 recommendations for practices to continue or to improve. The most significant recommendations include:
--In order to ensure that the best possible outcomes for patients is based on sound clinical judgment and the patient's unique needs, physicians must continue to determine the right team configuration, the right type of transport such as helicopter, fixed wing, ground or a combination, and the right amount of time required for response
--Returning to the program's original organizational structure so a management company provides overall program management and is the employer of the medical team that provides care to adults
--Improving fixed wing aircraft services by contracting for a dedicated aircraft available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Some of the 29 recommendations identified in the report are already underway or confirm things that we should continue doing," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Others are more complicated, so the next step is for the department to review each recommendation and develop action plans that will guide further improvements to the system, to ensure that we are providing the best service possible for Nova Scotians."

The contract for Fitch and Associates cost $98,000. A copy of the full audit report is available on the Department of Health website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/reports.htm .

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Nova Scotia's air ambulance system has sophisticated

clinical systems, a strong safety culture, and a focus on

patient outcomes, according to a report on the Emergency Health

Services.

     Health Minister Chris d'Entremont says the report confirms

that Nova Scotians have one of the best air ambulance programs

in North America.

     He says the report focuses heavily on safety and patient

care, confirming that safety and clinical skills, rather than

speed, need to remain the primary criteria for decision-making.

     The report notes that E-H-S LifeFlight meets or exceeds

industry standards in every facet of its operation. It also

details 29 recommendations for practices to continue or to

improve.

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Media Contact: Kim Silver
              Department of Health
              902-424-3034
              E-mail: silverka@gov.ns.ca