Blood collection capacity is down 15% in Northern Zone, 23% in Pictou County.

PICTOU - Blood collection capacity has been reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are an average of 544 fewer collections per day in the Northern Zone, according to a Freedom of Information request received by the NDP Caucus.

“Many people are finding it difficult to get timely appointments for blood work,” said Susan Leblanc, NDP Health and Wellness Spokesperson. “The Liberal government has had almost a year since the start of the pandemic to make sure that Nova Scotians have access to this vital service. Continuing to ignore this problem could lead to serious issues with chronic and acute health care.”

In Pictou County the situation is particularly troubling. There is a 23 per cent reduction in capacity between the Aberdeen and Sutherland Harris Memorial hospitals. This means on average 250 fewer people are getting bloodwork done each day in Pictou County.

“People in Pictou County should be able to expect better from the Liberal government when it comes to the delivery of health care services,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Prior to the pandemic, our health care system was already in crisis. As we look to recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, we are facing the potential of new crises caused by the Liberal government’s neglect of core services such as blood collection.”

Blood collection is essential for the diagnosing, monitoring, and management of a host of conditions, from cancers to kidney diseases, heart disease and diabetes.