QP - Women are not getting the health care they need

CLAUDIA CHENDER : When times get tough, we are often asked - or forced - to sacrifice, and we know that it is usually women who end up making the biggest sacrifices. People gave this government the benefit of the doubt when they said they'd fix health care, but people aren't seeing the progress they were promised.

Today we heard the heartbreaking story of Cassidy Horne, who lost her baby after multiple delays getting the ultrasound care she desperately needed. No one should have to go through this horrific experience.

What is this government doing to ensure that no other mother has to go through Cassidy's heartbreak?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON : Speaker, I did hear about this tragic loss yesterday. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the parents and grandparents and the broader family.

I cannot speak directly about individual cases, but I can assure the family that there will be an extensive review of the situation to understand what happened through the quality-review process. I have to trust that process. We will continue to monitor the situation.

CLAUDIA CHENDER : Women and gender-diverse Nova Scotians are not getting the health care they deserve. Only 7 percent of the health research in Canada is focused on women. The IWK Foundation is leading the way in advocating for change at the national and provincial levels. This government's response: They are cutting 20 percent from a grant to the IWK, limiting research of women's health in this province. This is shameful.

When women's health gets so little support, how can the minister justify a cut to this important research?

MICHELLE THOMPSON : We are committed to improving health for all people in Nova Scotia, but we do know that there is a particular focus on women's health in our province. As you know, we recently announced the Menopause Centre of Excellence. We are working to support women who are in midlife and beyond.

There is work that's happening across prevention, early diagnosis, and screening. We are looking at specialty clinics as well. We've increased the number of gynecological services across the province. We have a number of partners who are doing research who are informing practice - experts in the field.

We are committed. We are working with the IWK. We have extensively reviewed the survey. This will take some time and it will take consultation, but we are committed to women's health in this province.

THE SPEAKER  : Before I recognize the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, I ask that people speak through me to whomever they are asking the questions of and not directly to the person, just like if you are responding to a question, respond to me instead of the person who you are asking for.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER : Thank you, Speaker. With respect, that Menopause Centre of Excellence was promised years ago. Announcements aren't care.

The research funding for the IWK was cut by 20 percent. Women are left waiting. They are waiting too long for prenatal care and ultrasounds. There are not enough midwives to meet the need. They are waiting months or years for endometriosis treatment, menopause support, and mental health services. They are waiting for better cancer screenings, and waiting for access to free birth control like their peers across the country.

Women are paying for this government's delay with their health. If the government takes these concerns seriously, why are we seeing so little progress?

MICHELLE THOMPSON : As I've said before, we do take this issue of women's health very seriously. The Menopause Centre of Excellence was promised a year ago, and we have worked extensively with the Menopause Society of Nova Scotia, as well as experts in the field. This Menopause Centre of Excellence will not only include clinical care but incorporate education for individuals as well as clinicians. It will also involve research. These things need to build. We are committed to that.

There have been a number of improvements in terms of the ability to access gynecological care. The teams we have invested in from a primary care perspective will also assist women in getting the care they need in community in a more timely fashion.

There are a number of initiatives that are under way, and I look forward to having a fuller conversation in Estimates.