Province asks Nakile to consider 12-bed expansion

The request comes from Nova Scotia Health Minister Maureen MacDonald in a letter that was read at the Municipality of Argyle’s regular monthly council meeting Tuesday evening.

The minister acknowledges “the challenges presently facing this expansion project.”

The proposal for a 22-bed expansion has been stalled after the lowest tender submitted for the project exceeded the amount budgeted for it by over $2 million.

Despite efforts to narrow that gap, the province indicated a couple of months ago that it would not make up the difference between the estimated cost of the project and the budgeted amount.

“The Department of Health is requesting the Nakile Home for Special Care board and project team go back and look at what can be done to reduce costs and fully explore what facility upgrades need to be made to the existing facility if only 12 beds are added to the existing facility,” the health minister says in her letter.

Noting that other projects have moved forward on budget, the minister added, “the province must ensure the project moves forward in the most cost-effective manner possible.”

Council members who spoke on the issue during Tuesday’s meeting expressed disappointment over the province’s position.

Concern has been expressed over the impact on the per-diem rate if the expansion is limited to 12 beds.