How You Can Help

Everyone can play a role in reducing wait times in Nova Scotia and making life better for families in every region. Whether you are a patient receiving the service or a health care professional providing it, you can help.

  • Talk to your doctor
    image: a patient consulats doctor Appointments are usually booked close to a patient's home address. If you can travel, let your doctor know and you may find another location with a shorter wait time. Not everyone can choose this option, but every time someone does, it shortens the wait times for everyone.
  • Cancel scheduled appointments that you are unable to keep (including diagnostic testing)
    image: dailing a phone If you are unable to make a scheduled appointment, let your health-care provider know at least 48 hours in advance, or as early as possible. The more notice you provide, the greater our chances of finding someone else on the list to take your appointment time.
    Avoid being on duplicate wait lists
    Some Nova Scotians are on more than one wait in an effort to see a specialist faster. This makes the wait times look longer than they actually are. If you find a faster wait time somewhere else, remember to cancel other appointments you no longer need, especially if you have already been seen by a specialist.
  • Take preventive steps to improve your health
    image: a couple smiling on bicycles Taking good care of yourself is probably the single biggest thing you can do to help reduce wait times and to help reduce the strain on our health care system.

    Did you know that Nova Scotia has the highest rate of cancer in women and the second highest rate for cancer in males per capita? We also have the highest rate of diabetes in the country and the second highest percentage of the population reporting their health as only fair or poor.

    By not smoking, eating well, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and not abusing alcohol, you can reduce your chances of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, that reduce quality of life and contribute to wait times. By taking steps to becoming healthier, you may not need services like joint replacements down the road.
  • Have your health card with you at all times
    Your health card identifies you, and you alone, no matter where you receive care in the province. It lets authorized health providers view your up-to-date health information, which eliminates duplicate tests and unnecessary procedures that contribute to wait times.

  • The rising costs of health care
    Did you know that almost half of our province's yearly budget goes directly to Health Care?

    During the 2010-11 fiscal year the Department of Health's budget is $3.6 billion or 40 per cent of the province's total budget of $9 billion. That's $212 million more than last year and double what our province spent 10 years ago.

    Why does health care cost so much? An aging population and an unhealthy population are two of the many contributing factors.