Message from Nova Scotia Health President and CEO, Karen Oldfield |
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Dear colleagues in health,
We pushed through February at a frenetic pace with several big healthcare announcements and investments. The month began with the Government of Nova Scotia signing a contract with the vendor who will bring One Person, One Record (OPOR) into reality! The eagle has landed! One Person, One Record has been in the planning stages for nearly 10 years and is sorely overdue. Physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers regularly use more than 80 systems to record and view patient information, many of which are outdated, slow, and don't "speak" to the other. To say I'm excited about this progress is an understatement. Congratulations to all team members who worked dilligently to make the OPOR dream a reality.
This month on Chats on Change, I chatted with Dr. Bussey about the impact OPOR will have on clinical teams and patient care. Listen here.
Read the One Person, One record news release.
Until next month,
Karen
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Nova Scotia Health launches first-in-Canada oncology technology
Cancer patients in Nova Scotia will receive improved care, shorter wait times, and better results thanks to the new Oncology Transformation Project. The project will modernize the way cancer care is delivered and will bring together its key oncology information systems for the first time – with information available in a split second and in real-time. Through this project, Nova Scotia Health is creating a single access point for cancer patient referrals, triage, and treatment which in turn, will lead to streamlined care, reduced wait times, and provide better outcomes for patients. This technology puts the province at forefront of cancer care information technology; expected to decrease treatment wait times and improve survival rates
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Honoring and celebrating African Heritage Month
It is an honour and privilege to recognize African Heritage Month.
I acknowledge I'm still learning about both the history and current experience of people of African descent, and my own work to do to address anti-Black racism.
People of African descent played an important role in the history of medicine and health care in Nova Scotia and continue to do so today, despite the barriers of anti-Black racism. Throughout February, we shared profiles of historic Black health leaders who have helped shape the history of medicine and healthcare in Nova Scotia. In addition, we also spotlighted current Nova Scotia Health team members of African descent. Their profiles discuss their career pathways, the challenges and inequities they witness and face, and where they see opportunities within the health system to improve the experience of patients, families, and team members of African descent and other equity-seeking communities.
There’s lots of work ahead to address the inequities faced by patients, families, and team members of African descent in the health system. Members of the African Nova Scotian community have provided direction on the way forward through engagement that resulted in the African Nova Scotian health strategy. This document and others will help to inform the provincial health equity framework, led by Department of Health and Wellness, and Nova Scotia Health’s work to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism.
It's important also to note that for many years, dedicated team members have been working to advance African Nova Scotian health and other equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism efforts, including Nova Scotia Health’s diversity committees, community partners, and African Nova Scotian health consultant Rhonda Atwell. They have worked hard to achieve change, but this work should not rest with a few – the accountability belongs to all of us, especially those like me, in leadership positions.
Professor David Divine, senior consultant, has been leading engagement both within and outside of Nova Scotia Health, to gather important perspectives from those closest to this work, and to inform a report that will come forward to leadership this winter. We look forward to sharing those findings and setting a path for success together.
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Nova Scotia Health African Nova Scotian Employee Profiles
SaRita Maxwell, RN, Emergency Department, QEII Halifax Infirmary (pictured left)
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Historical African Nova Scotian Healthcare Leaders
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Unsung Healthcare Heroes
Unsung Heroes is a monthly recognition initiative that celebrates exceptional individuals who quietly make a difference working behind the scenes. These team members demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their roles with no expectation of praise or recognition for their dedication to patients, clients, families, visitors and/or colleagues.
From 794 deserving nominations, the following individuals are the latest chosen by a random computer draw:
- $200 gift card recipient – Thomas Parker, Clinical Pharmacist, Halifax Infirmary
- $50 Northern Zone gift card recipient – Phil McCormick, Advanced Care Paramedic, Colchester East Hants Health Centre
- $50 Central Zone gift card recipient – Alexa McCrae, Administrative Assistant, Department of Family Practice
- $50 Western Zone gift card recipient – Debbie Hannam, Registered Nurse, Soldiers Memorial Hospital
- $50 Eastern Zone gift card recipient – Lynsey Davey, Team Lead - DI Quality, Cape Breton Regional Hospital
To nominate a colleague, scan the QR code. Criteria for nominees include:
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Going above and beyond: demonstrating a pattern of going the extra mile
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Inspiration: inspiring change in others
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Professionalism: being respected for their professionalism and know-how
- Positive impact: making notable positive impacts on patients, clients, families, visitors and/or colleagues
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Displaying NSH Values: working in a values-based way and demonstrating one or more of the following:
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Respect: demonstrating a pattern of caring for each other and those we serve
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Integrity: being recognized for their honest and ethical principles
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Courage: leading by example and doing what is right, even when it may be difficult
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Innovation: embracing change, learning new things and exploring new possibilities
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Accountability: cultivating an environment that encourages ownership and responsibility of actions and decisions
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Enhancing and expanding withdrawal management and recovery support services across Nova Scotia
Withdrawal management service provides medical care and support for people experiencing withdrawal symptoms from stopping or reducing the use of substances. This care can help people safely withdraw from substances and reduce complications.
New Recovery Support Centres have opened in New Glasgow at the Aberdeen Hospital, and in Dartmouth at Queens Square Building. Sites in Lunenburg at Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital, and Middleton at Soldiers Memorial Hospital, have also realigned with the new model.
Valet parking at the Victoria General reduces stress and helps get patients to their appointments on time
Partners for Care in partnership with Indigo Park is now offering valet parking at the Victoria General (VG) site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. It’s a relief for anyone who has ever franticly circled the lot looking for parking while the clock ticks down on their appointment time.
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The original Cape Breton Cancer Centre opened in 1998 and currently serves more than double the patients for which it was built. The new, stand-alone centre will provide a more comfortable, supportive centre focused on patients and their families. Technology and additional supports under one roof will enhance the quality of care for patients, closer to home, and reduce the number of visits over the course of treatment.
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New Supportive Counselling Program
Nova Scotians now have access to one-on-one supportive counselling to help with general mental health concerns, including anxiety, job loss, grief, relationship issues and substance use, under a new pilot program.Counselling sessions can be done by phone, online or in person in Sydney, Halifax, Kentville and New Glasgow.
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More community funding to attract healthcare talent |
Throughout February, the Government of Nova Scotia made several investments to help communities attract and keep healthcare talent, specifically healthcare talent that reflects the needs of the community's population like French-speaking or Indigenous care providers.
Read all the latest here.
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Primary care clinics in pharmacies exceed expectations: Pharmacy association
A new Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics program being piloted in 12 pharmacies across Nova Scotia is exceeding expectations.
Pharmacists in these clinics have dedicated time to see patients with common illnesses and people who are on medications for chronic diseases like diabetes, and cardiovascular and lung disease. They will also provide care for strep throat, including testing, diagnosis and treatment.
View the CTV Atlantic story.
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Nova Scotia Health Employee Stories |
A family’s shared vocation over three generations of work in healthcare
Over a 43-year career in nursing, Maureen Squarey’s impact on health care in Nova Scotia has been significant. Her legacy is exemplified in the countless patients who have benefitted from her care but also through two of her daughters who have chosen careers in health care – on different paths but still led by their purpose of “helping people”.
Dr. Stephen Farrell, New Waterford Family Physician celebrates 46 years of medical practice
In the past 50 years, many things have changed about the way medicine is practiced in Nova Scotia. Dr. Stephen Farrell would know—he’s had a front-row seat for it all. Now, he has lots to reflect on during his well-deserved retirement.
Jo-Ann Edwards, nurse practitioner pioneer in cancer care: Recognizing 35 years of exemplary patient care
Jo-Ann Edwards, the first nurse practitioner (NP) in Nova Scotia to work in cancer care, began her career as a registered nurse at the old Halifax Infirmary in 1988.
Making Waves: At the helm of the emergency department in Halifax, Breanne Gillis recognized with an Award of Distinction for work as Clinical Lead
Breanne Gillis is the 2022 recipient of the Making Waves Award of Distinction for her work as a Clinical Leader and Registered Nurse in the Halifax Infirmary emergency department. Gillis has transitioned to a new role with the Nova Scotia Health Trauma Program as Provincial Education Lead and credits her experience in the emergency department as a key factor in the successful career she is building in health care.
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