COVID-19 Update from the Department of Medicine
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As of April 24, 2020 in Nova Scotia
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850
positive tests
(709 in Central Zone)
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8
currently in hospital (non-ICU)
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3
currently in hospital (ICU)
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Another busy week is drawing to an end. We continue with preparations for COVID care as we expect cases to peak in the next 10 – 21 days. We are starting to shift some of our focus to make sure we are minimizing any negative impacts to our non-COVID patients who still need our care; and we are finding time to address some of our departmental non-COVID needs, by slowly re-introducing education elements back into our training programs (in a virtual way) and reinstating a grand rounds portion to our Tuesday morning meetings.
This has been a historically unprecedented week for Nova Scotians experiencing the impacts of COVID, with a large Nursing Home outbreak; and the tragic events that unfolded on Saturday and Sunday with the shootings and senseless loss of lives in the Northern Zone. Watching the continued response of our health care system for COVID, like supporting Northwood, and the way our communities have responded to lift up and support the families affected by the violence this past weekend; give me great hope for all of us that we will rise above this time of illness, stress and fear.
Continue to take care of yourselves and support those around you.
Have a safe and peaceful week.
Christine
Christine Short, MD, FRCP (C), FACP
Associate Professor & Head/Chief, Department of Medicine
Dalhousie University/Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health Authority
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Nomination deadlines fast approaching
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The
Department of Medicine is accepting nomination packages for
11 awards.
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Deadline: Tuesday, April 28
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The
Faculty of Medicine invites nominations for
7 awards that recognize outstanding contribution to education and teaching, administrative leadership, community service, medical research, and continuing medication education.
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Deadline: Thursday, April 30
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COVID-19 risk assessment form
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The Clinical Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and clinicians across the province have worked to create a COVID-19 Risk Assessment form which was approved by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The form is to be completed for all patients receiving in person services and placed on the front of all patient charts.
COVID-19 Risk Assessment" form
replaces the “COVID-19 Swab form.
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COVID-19 Community / facility cluster information
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Community and facility clusters will be identified by postal code.
- Starting April 23, 2020, patients living within these areas will be flagged as "droplet and contact precautions required" at registration.
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UIMRF COVID-19 Emergency Bridge Funding
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Unique to the Department of Medicine, the University Internal Medicine Research Foundation (UIMRF) encourages and promotes research throughout the Department. The Department of Medicine Research Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the grants and research awards.
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Cardiology
Dr. Ratika Parkash
$ 64,899
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M
edical Oncology
Dr. Arik Drucker
$ 32,604
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Nephrology
Dr. Karthik Tennankore
$ 36,911
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Respirology
Dr. Paul Hernandez
$ 20,250
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Total Emergency Funding Approved:
$ 154,664
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For those eligible for promotion to Associate Professor or Professor, the
DoM deadline for applications has been extended to June 30, 2020.
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Promotion and Career Paths
Dr. Geoffrey Williams
Chair, DoM Promotions Committee
Thursday, April 30
Noon - 1 p.m. (AST)
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Meeting ID:
950 9733 0117
Password:
771727
Dial by your location
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
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This session is open to all Department members (you do not need to be eligible for promotion to attend).
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Northwood nursing home in Halifax is experiencing a significant COVID outbreak with over 100 residents and staff affected. The Premier of Nova Scotia put a call out to NSHA to increase supports to the LTC home on April 19, 2020. The province has responded with health care workers from across the province stepping up to help support residents at the home.
In Central Zone, it was decided to close 8.4 (our low risk COVID ILI cohort unit) and send staff from there to help take care of patients at Northwood. Influenza-like illness (ILI) patients will be cohorted on 8.1 until we have a chance to figure out an intermediate plan. Thanks to the numerous department members and the administrative leadership that helped make this happen.
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Our condolences go out to the families and friends of all of those who lost their lives in the Nova Scotia tragedy of April 18 and 19 where 22 people were killed. Police are investigating 16 crime scenes and several NSHA locations (reaching from Portapique, NS to Enfield, NS) activated lockdown protocols during the active shootings. Sending love and support to everyone affected by this tragedy.
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COVID-19 Airway Resource Team
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The COVID-19 Airway Resource Team (CoVART) is available for confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients who require intubation.
- Coverage has been expanded and now includes both the HI and VG sites.
- ICU should be involved prior to CoVART activation, with the exception of traumas requiring intubation.
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To activate the team:
Attending physician should dial 473-3333, request CoVART, and specify patient location.
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Interpreters for Zoom healthcare appointments
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You can include an interpreter on your Zoom for Healthcare appointments.
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Medical Education in the time of COVID-19
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This article outlines how medical students (Med 1 and 2) and clinical clerks (Med 3 and 4) continue to learn during COVID-19.
Highlights include:
- Using Microsoft Teams (used at Dalhouse; part of Office 365)
- Volunteering in the "Virtual Call Centre" to help NSHA and IWK
- Dr. Stephen Miller notes that some skills for current Med 2 students will need to be learned during Med 3
by Melanie Starr - April 22, 2020
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From the Department of Psychiatry
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COVID-19 Support and Resources for Physicians and Their Families
Four residents from the Department of Psychiatry have created a physician wellness website so that all offerings can be viewed in a single spot.
From Dr. Jason Morrison
Interim Head, Department of Psychiatry
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Thank you from our community
♥
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Emily, daughter of former GIM Program Admin, Jennifer Delaney, is learning in school about front line workers. They made thank you signs and she wanted to share her sign with her mom's friends at the hospital! Jennifer Delaney recently moved to the Department of Anesthesia this April. Thank you Jennifer.
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Canada Post fleet of vehicles drove by hospitals on Wednesday, April 22 to show their SUPPORT and THANKS to frontline staff.
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Submitted by Denise Hatchette
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Sunset of hope, April 2020 (Submitted by Christine Short)
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StrongerTogether, TousEnsemble
Sunday, April 26 ~ 6:30 pm
The broadcast is gearing up to be the largest single-show broadcast in Canadian history.
With a mix of music, messages, and more, 'Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble' features Canadian talent uniting to show everyone working on the front lines of this pandemic that we are all #StrongerTogether.
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We're looking for your
stories, pictures, reflections that express gratitude, hope and support.
We'll share these submissions in the weekly newsletter.
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♥
Thank you for all that you do.
♥
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An extra special thank you to
all Administrative Professionals
in the Department of Medicine who work to support and guide this department everyday. You are miracle workers!
A formal celebration will be organized after the pandemic is over.
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April 22
Administrative Professionals Day
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May 1
National Physicians Day
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May 11 - 17
National Nursing Week
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February 10 - 14
Resident Awareness Week
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Priority access for healthcare workers
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By
showing your hospital ID, essential front line employees can get priority entrance and move to the front of the line at the following businesses:
- Atlantic Superstore
- Costco
- Shoppers Drug Mart
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Weekly update and mini grand rounds
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Tuesday, April 28
COVID-19 Weekly Update from DoM
8 - 8:30 a.m.
Mini DoM Grand Rounds
8:30 - 9 a.m.
Title: How do frailty and illness severity interact in acutely ill patients?
Presenters: Samuel D. Searle and Kenneth Rockwood (Division of Geriatric Medicine)
Fill out your evaluation:
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Please note:
There is
no need to leave and rejoin the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
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New and updated documents
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Here's an easier way to keep informed about new/updated documents on NSHA's COVID-19 Hub.
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NSHA / Dr. Lynn Johnston
Uploaded: March 13, 2020
Video: 10 min
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NSHA / Dr. Glenn Patriquin
Uploaded: April 3, 2020
Video: 3 min
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COVID IMCU, MTU, SI-ED Schedule
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My Personal Directive
(Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia)
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Once completed online, it can be downloaded or emailed. Once signed and witnessed, it is valid.
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Spectrum MD
(Antimicrobial Stewardship)
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Virtual Care &
Telehealth Zoom
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A list of some neighbourly businesses offering convenient, discounted or free services.
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NSHA healthcare workers experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact: 1-833-750-0632
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Nova Scotia Health Authority
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Government of Nova Scotia
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When you take care of yourself, you take care of others.
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