From the desk of Karen Oldfield |
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Dear colleagues in health,
Since I last shared the Momentum progress report, teams throughout the organization have continued to prioritize finding solutions to our challenges.
I'm committed to working hard and providing Nova Scotians with the health care they deserve – reliable care that is timely and ready when they need it. The staff and physicians of Nova Scotia Health share this commitment, and we're working collaboratively, internally and externally, to make it a reality.
In this month's newsletter, I'm pleased to share several ways Nova Scotia Health and our partners in care continue to move full steam ahead to influence positive changes to healthcare in Nova Scotia.
Let’s keep the momentum going.
Best,
Karen
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Community healthcare conversations
Hearing from Nova Scotians about their healthcare concerns leads to better-informed policy and program decisions. My healthcare colleagues, Minister Thompson and Deputy Minister Legassé, and I are holding conversations in communities across the province starting Oct.19 and continuing until December.
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Cardiac catheterization lab for Cape Breton
A new cardiac cath lab announced for Cape Breton as part of the CBRM Redevelopment Project will significantly impact patient care. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death in Cape Breton. The hospital’s cardiac services team treats more than 400 patients for heart attacks and more than 500 patients for congestive heart failure annually. Of the Cape Bretoners who require cardiac catheterization each year, 300 are transported to Halifax by emergency air or ground ambulance.
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Aaron Prosper prioritizes partnership and continuity of care
October 1 is Treaty Day. It recognizes the important relationship and contributions of Mi’kmaq people in Nova Scotia and sets the stage for the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month. Diverse communities have specific health needs and face health access barriers because of the legacy of systemic racism in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Health’s Indigenous health consultant, Aaron Prosper, works to build connections and advance health services and accessibility for First Nation communities and the care system. He has far-reaching goals within the organization, focusing on bridging gaps, creating partnerships, and improving health outcomes for Indigenous Nova Scotians.
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New urgent treatment centre for Annapolis Royal
Residents of Annapolis Royal have a new healthcare option, an urgent treatment centre (UTC) opened in the community on October 12. It replaced the community's collaborative emergency centre that closed in July. Patients can book appointments at the UTC three days a week.
Urgent treatment centres offer quick, convenient care that is appropriate for many patients who go to a hospital emergency department for treatment. The centres provide care for people with unexpected, non-life-threatening health concerns, such as mild abdominal pain, minor infections, simple fractures and sprains. There are now four centres located across the province.
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We’re building a plan to make all facilities accessible
Do you have suggestions to improve accessibility in health care services, healthcare information or healthcare employment opportunities at Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health? Share your voice and join the conversation to enhance the experience of patients, families, employees, physicians, volunteers, learners and community members with physical, mental, learning or sensory impairment.
Complete the survey, which is open until Nov. 4.
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Health partner collaboration leads to first-of-its-kind treatment in Nova Scotia
In mid-October, the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Varian Medical Systems and supported by the QEII Foundation, hosted an event announcing breakthrough cancer treatment technology.
Dr. James Robar, chief of medical physics with Nova Scotia Health and his colleagues have worked with Varian for over 20 years. Because of this close relationship, the new technology, which combines incredible accuracy with artificial intelligence to offer fast and more precise therapy, is now available for clinical trials in Nova Scotia.
The Government of Nova Scotia provided $12 million to acquire the technology, with the QEII Foundation's We Are campaign and BMO Ride for Cancer event donating $8 million and in-kind contributions from Varian.
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Building a culturally safer Nova Scotia Health
Racism and prejudice have no place in Nova Scotia Health. A culturally competent, culturally safe, more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization is crucial for our success in delivering excellent patient care and fostering a respectful workplace. Professor David Divine is now working with us to accelerate work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to support Nova Scotia Health in embedding the values of diversity, equity, antiracism and belonging into our health system and workplace.
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Funding for family doctors, mentorship
A new investment of $6.3-million investment over the next four years will connect more patients to a primary care provider and support Dalhousie family medicine graduates in developing valuable hands-on care experiences.
The funding builds on the success of the unique partnership between Dalhousie family medicine clinics, and Nova Scotia Health that helped hundreds of people without a family doctor receive faster care.
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