Paper Health Records Shipped Out of Province for Digitization
Thousands of Nova Scotians’ paper health records are being transported to a private company in Ontario so they can be converted into digital format, a move that has sparked concern among patients, privacy experts and health advocates.
The digitization initiative is intended to modernize record keeping, but critics say sending sensitive medical files out of the province — especially to a private contractor — raises serious questions about privacy, security and oversight.
Why Records Are Being Digitized in Ontario
Nova Scotia’s health system says it needs help to process decades of paper records as part of a broader effort to implement electronic health records province-wide. Since many clinics, hospitals and offices still rely on paper charts, digitizing them is seen as a way to improve access to patient information and support better, coordinated care in the future.
Officials confirm that the chosen contractor — a private Ontario-based company — has experience in converting medical files into digital form, but they have not publicly disclosed the name of the firm due to contractual confidentiality.
Privacy and Security Concerns Raised
Despite assurances from health authorities, many residents are uneasy about their personal health information being handled by an out-of-province company. Privacy advocates warn that transporting sensitive medical records over long distances — and involving a private business — increases the risk of data breaches, misuse or unauthorized access.
Experts note that even with safeguards in place, the more places data travels, the greater the number of potential vulnerability points.
One advocate said, “Patients have a right to control who sees their medical information. Sending it out of province to a private party — that’s a big leap.”
Government Says Safeguards Are in Place
Health officials in Nova Scotia say the records are being shipped and digitized under strict protections. They say contractors are required to follow provincial privacy legislation, security protocols, and oversight rules throughout the process.
According to the health department, data is being transported through secure carriers, handled under confidentiality agreements, and stored in encrypted systems once digitized. Officials also say the digitized files will eventually be integrated into a provincial electronic health record platform.
However, critics argue that paper records should be digitized locally wherever possible to reduce risk and keep personal data under closer jurisdictional control.
Public Reaction and Transparency Requests
Many residents expressed surprise and frustration upon learning that their health records could be processed outside Nova Scotia. Some say they would have preferred greater transparency before the arrangement was finalized.
Community groups and privacy advocates are now calling on the provincial government to:
• reveal the name of the third-party company handling the records
• explain what oversight and reporting measures are in place
• clarify how individuals can opt out or seek assurances about how their records are managed
Until those details are made public, critics say distrust will remain high.
The Bigger Picture: Modernization vs. Privacy
The controversy underscores an ongoing tension in health care: balancing digitization and efficiency with privacy and public trust. Many provinces across Canada face the same challenge of moving away from paper charts without compromising sensitive data.
While electronic health records promise faster service and better care coordination, how they are implemented — including who handles them and where data is processed — greatly affects public confidence.
Nova Scotia officials say they recognize the sensitivity of the issue and are reviewing procedures to reassure residents that privacy is a top priority throughout the digitization project.
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