Nova Scotia’s health minister, Michelle Thompson, affirmed that despite the repeal of legislation last year, the practice of holding public meetings in communities with recurring emergency department closures will persist. The legislation, abolished by the Progressive Conservatives, included the Emergency Department Accountability Act, which mandated an annual report showcasing the total hours of closure for each emergency department in the province. Even with the cessation of official reports, Nova Scotia Health officials have continued to conduct community meetings throughout the province to provide health care updates, including information on emergency department closures where applicable.
In 2025, communities like Digby and Shelburne faced ongoing challenges with emergency department closures, while others, such as Lunenburg, observed a decline in unscheduled closures. Notably, Digby General Hospital and Roseway Hospital in Shelburne experienced over 4,800 hours of closure each, with Strait Richmond Hospital’s emergency department closed for more than 3,000 hours. Furthermore, Hants Community Hospital in Windsor was shut for approximately 1,000 hours in 2025, and Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg encountered around 870 hours of unscheduled closures.
As the government strives to bolster health care staffing in various communities, virtual services have been expanded to provide care even during emergency department closures. Virtual urgent care services are now accessible at multiple locations, enabling patients to consult with providers from alternative sites. Additionally, a same-day clinic has been introduced at Roseway on weekends.
Despite the discontinuation of annual reports, the availability of real-time data remains crucial for patients seeking prompt medical attention. However, NDP health critic Rod Wilson expressed concerns regarding the reliability of online data, emphasizing the necessity for continued community meetings in areas experiencing persistent emergency department closures. Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of public data collection to monitor health care system improvements.
Thompson emphasized the ongoing efforts of her department, Nova Scotia Health, and the IWK Health Centre in utilizing various datasets to inform decisions and enhance transparency. She underscored the importance of making information easily understandable to instill public confidence in the health care system.