Access to health care is vital for every Nova Scotian. Yet, more than 120,000 of our fellow citizens do not have access to a family doctor. Sadly, that number continues to grow – and even those who are lucky enough to have a physician are waiting longer to access care. Something has to change.
At Cape Breton University, we are focused on solutions, as you are well aware. And so, we are working diligently to bring a medical campus to Cape Breton Island as part of our strategic healthcare initiative. Our strategic plan commits us to bolstering the overall health and development of Cape Breton Island, and we recognize the need in all areas of the province. We also know that the Province of Nova Scotia has plans to double the population by 2060. While growth is important, so is access to quality healthcare.
This means action is urgently needed to ensure access to timely healthcare is available to our friends, our colleagues, our neighbours, and our families. We envision a medical school that will train much needed physicians for practice in Cape Breton and other rural areas of Nova Scotia. This initiative will also establish a collaborative clinic with capacity for up to 10,000 patients. Because healthy communities are thriving communities.
You can be part of the solution now. Visit https://cbumedcampus.ca/show-your-support/ to sign your name and show your support, and please feel free to share this message with your networks.
I thank you in advance and look forward to keeping you apprised of our progress.