Smith-McCrossin proposes health outcomes auditor general

Smith-McCrossin recently introduced a bill in the legislature that would create a new health outcomes auditor, within the Office of the Auditor General.
The auditor would independently verify the performance of the IWK Health Centre and the provincial health authority and make public by March 31 of each year an annual report summarizing any health audits of investigations conducted or recommendations made in the previous year.
The auditor would measure outcomes and has the ability to survey patients on their experiences.
“We heard people loud and clear that they want more accountability in our healthcare system. We want to shine a light on the entire system and make the changes necessary to deliver world-class healthcare for Nova Scotians,” Smith-McCrossin said in a news release. “We believe this is a practical step that the McNeil government should adopt. If they have nothing to hide, they should welcome this new oversight.”
In the Auditor General’s 2014 report on Surgical Waitlist and Operating Room Utilization, it called for regular reporting in health.
The budget for healthcare makes up more than half of the overall provincial budget. Nova Scotia also has a rapidly aging population, meaning there are fewer in the labour force and more people needing healthcare services.
Smith-McCrossin said there are major issues in Nova Scotia communities and the minister of health hides behind the IWK and the health authority boards, rather than accepting accountability.