Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services today provided an update on accountability and financial sustainability measures, including actions taken in response to the Auditor General’s recommendations on the use of private health-care agency staff.

The provincial health authority’s approach to accountability continues to include:

• Establishing a value for money framework consisting of four foundational pillars:
  1) Accountability
  2) Efficiency
  3) Innovation
  4) Value Based Procurement
• Introducing operational benchmarking with similar health organizations to identify potential efficiencies and cost containment measures.
• Introducing measures to minimize the use of overtime.
• Decreasing the use of agency nurses.
• Examining the organization for areas of other potential savings and cost efficiencies.

“We take our accountability of public resources very seriously and are continuing to make measurable progress,” said Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services. “This work reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across the province.”

As part of our commitment to accountability and strong financial oversight, NL Health Services has awarded a contract to Deloitte Canada to conduct a comprehensive audit of invoices and payments related to Agency A, in line with the recommendation in the Auditor General’s report. This review will help ensure that payments were billed and paid appropriately in accordance with the terms and conditions of the nursing agency contract. Deloitte Canada was awarded the contract through an open call for bids. Work is in progress, and the targeted completion date of the audit is September 30, 2025.

“Strong financial oversight is critical to ensure public resources are used responsibly,” said Sharon Forsey, Finance and Audit Committee Chair for NL Health Services’ Board of Trustees. “Our role as the Board of Trustees remains consistent in ensuring that decisions today support a sustainable health-care system for the future.”

To further support critical accountability focused efforts, NL Health Services has recently hired a chief audit officer who will begin in the position on September 15, 2025. An internal audit office will be established to strengthen accountability, financial oversight, compliance, performance and value in the long-term.

Further information about the status of the Auditor General’s recommendations can be found here.

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