N.S. launches survey asking for feedback on racism, discrimination in health-care system
The Nova Scotia government is asking diverse groups to share their experiences in an attempt to improve the province's health-care system.
The Department of Health and Wellness, along with health system partners, has launched an online survey to collect feedback from communities that may have experienced systemic racism and discrimination in the health system.
The province says this includes Indigenous people, African Nova Scotians and people of African descent, racialized groups, 2SLGBTIQA+ people, those with disabilities, immigrants, refugees and historically underrepresented populations.
"We know every Nova Scotian should receive the same quality of health care, but we also know they don't. Systemic racism and discrimination impact the care people receive," said Brian Comer, the minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson, in a news release Tuesday.
"We need to hear more about the experiences of people from diverse communities in our health system to make the necessary changes to provide better care."
The province says information received in the survey will be used to develop a health equity framework to help improve the system, both for diverse groups who use it and staff.
"The health equity framework is a vital piece of work to improve the health experiences and health outcomes of diverse communities and create a healthier, safer and more equitable work experience for team members," said Anna Marenick, the vice president of people, culture and belonging with Nova Scotia Health.
The province has begun reaching out to representatives from diverse communities to encourage people to complete the survey.
The government expects the health equity framework, which is part of the province's Action for Health plan, to be complete by July 2023.
"Racism, discrimination and bias have no place in health care or our workplaces. We have a duty to ensure health care is accessible, welcoming and inclusive for everyone," said Steve Ashton the vice president of people and organization development with the IWK Health Centre.
"We are committed to listening and developing a framework together with our community that will lead to real change."
The survey can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.