Performance Reporting — Continued

Goal 3: BC Employment and Assistance Services Clients' Basic Health Needs are Met

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Objective Eligible clients have access to supplementary health services

Strategy Provide designated health services to those who are eligible

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Measure 3.1: Number of persons receiving Enhanced Supplementary Health Services

Results

2002/03 Target	Results
Establish baseline number of eligible clients receiving supplementary health services	Baseline established: 73,259

Description

This is an output measure that captures the number of people receiving enhanced supplementary health services. The result represents the number of eligible clients who received dental or vision services during the fiscal year. The baseline established in 2002/03 was 73,259 clients receiving supplement health services.

The ministry provided basic health assistance to all BC Employment and Assistance clients. Basic health assistance includes premium-free medical services plan (MSP) coverage, 100 per cent Pharmacare coverage, emergency dental services and dental repairs, and basic optical coverage. These services were also provided to people receiving hardship assistance and persons with disabilities who left income assistance.

Some clients, whose eligibility is established through legislation, also received enhanced health assistance. This includes premium-free MSP, 100 per cent Pharmacare coverage and MHR-sponsored health supplements, such as allowances for special diets, infant formulas, medical equipment and supplies are examples of the supplements provided.

This measure is not included in subsequent service plans. The ministry will, instead, report on the impact of its programs and services on clients.

Data Reliability and Assumptions

Source: Contractor's database.

Reliability: High.

Other Comments

Supplementary health services are provided by a contractor and by the ministry. Some services are purchased individually (for example, dentures or eyeglasses), while others are purchased in quantity for increased savings (for example, medical supplies such as bandages, dressings, and catheters). The ministry tracks both types of services in different ways.

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Objective Homeless individuals have access to safe emergency accommodation

Strategy Provide emergency accommodation to those eligible

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Measure 3.2: Number of beds provided

Results

2002/03 Target	Results
Establish baseline number of beds provided	Baseline established: 970 beds (including 718 beds provided year-round and 252 provided under cold weather strategy)

Description

This is an output measure that captures the number of emergency beds and shelter beds the ministry funds. This measure assesses the level of support provided through hostels and emergency shelters throughout B.C. The ministry contracts with operators to provide safe, temporary accommodation to homeless individuals, couples and families.

This measure is not included in subsequent service plans because it measures outputs, rather than outcomes, and the ministry is striving to increase the number of performance measures that are outcome-oriented.

Data Reliability and Assumptions

Source: Ministry's contracts with emergency shelters.

Reliability: High.

Other Comments

It may be more meaningful to assess the number of people using emergency shelters and hostels, rather than the number of beds provided. However, the ministry is unable to gather this information as individuals who visit shelters often do not carry identification or do not wish to identify themselves to service providers.

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Objective Individuals and families have access to short-term disaster assistance through the Emergency Social Services (ESS) program

Strategy Provide short-term assistance through the ESS program to those forced from their homes by disasters

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Measure 3.3: Percentage of individuals and families requiring short-term assistance who receive services through Emergency Social Services (ESS)

Results

2002/03 Target	Results
100 per cent of people requiring short term disaster assistance receive assistance	100%

Description

This is an output measure that captures the number of persons assisted and the number of incidents responded to by Emergency Social Services (ESS) volunteers and staff. The target for this measure stated that 100 per cent of those requiring ESS assistance receive it. This target was achieved in 2002/03.

ESS provides short-term services required to preserve the health and well-being of people affected by disasters. These include emergency food, clothing, lodging, family reunification, personal services and other specialized services as required. In British Columbia, local authorities are responsible for planning and operating emergency responses within their jurisdictions. The province assists local authorities and only takes a lead in the case of a major disaster. The ESS Branch within the ministry provides broad leadership and coordination in planning for and responding to emergencies and disasters where ESS is required.

This measure is not included in subsequent service plans, as the ministry is striving to increase the number of performance measures that are outcome-oriented.

Data Reliability and Assumptions

Source: Ministry database.

Reliability: High.