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N.S. nursing homes ask province to delay withholding funds over vacant beds during pandemic
Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association says its members feel “backed into a corner” by a recent provincial directive to start refilling empty beds, or risk daily funding deductions of more than $130 per vacancy.The ultimatum to fill all but a “pre-approved” number of beds was sent to some nursing homes last week by the Department of Health and Wellness, as a result of “significant access and flow issues,” and an increased number of people waiting for permanent placement in homes.“Given the current epidemiology, lower risk of exposure and availability of (personal protective equipment), we must now resume work to ensure safe and timely access to nursing home beds for those who need them most,” wrote Kevin Orrell, the department’s deputy