HALIFAX – Atlantic Canada’s largest health authority has started cancelling elective surgeries scheduled for early next week because of a possible walkout by nurses in the Halifax area.
Spokesman John Gillis of the Capital District Health Authority says elective surgeries are being cancelled for Monday and Tuesday at various Halifax hospitals.
A figure wasn’t available Friday on the number of cancellations, but Gillis says they include knee and hip procedures, as well as hernia operations.
About 2,400 nurses are in a legal strike position on Thursday at midnight and their union has said they will defy legislation declaring them an essential service.
Gillis says an agreement also hasn’t been reached between the health authority and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union on minimal emergency services that would be provided if there is a strike.
Premier Stephen McNeil says he has asked for an assessment on the chances of getting a deal on emergency services.
Comments