Teamwork Works!
Many communities across Nova Scotia have been challenged by long waitlists for home support (personal support and homemaking) services. Almost a year ago, VON, the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU), the Department of Health and Wellness and the Nova Scotia Health Authority hatched a plan to slay the waitlists by working together in a new way.
What’s unique about this project is that it marks the very first time that the department, the health authority, the union and VON have worked as one project team to reach a clear and measurable goal. The project kicked off with a stakeholder workshop and surveys with VON and Continuing Care staff to ensure the joint Steering Committee had a frontline perspective of the issues and potential solutions.
A four-point plan focused on key areas that would make a difference, including changed shifts and scheduling, managing client expectations, evaluation and reevaluation of client needs and different approaches to waitlist segmentation. Adrienne Klenck leads a big project team with invaluable input and oversight from Carol Curley, Kathie Swindell and partners from the joint Steering Committee.
Speaking of her Annapolis Valley district, District Executive Director Kathie Swindell says “we’ve managed to eliminate 1000 wait list hours a month, and people are getting the help they need to stay in their own homes”.
Now, that’s teamwork!
