From the desk of Karen Oldfield |
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Dear colleagues in health,
Across the organization, staff and physicians continue not just to show up but provide excellent care for patients despite running the gauntlet for the past few years. In addition, creative and innovative healthcare solutions continue to flow into my inbox and get acted upon (more about the success of one of those below). Lastly, on top of the usual frantic pace, clinical administrators and other leaders continue supporting me as I participate in community conversations across the province - showing up after hours in the blustery November evenings. I'm grateful to have these kinds of people on my team; their dedication to improving healthcare is unwavering - and it shows in this month's issue.
I'm pleased to share below a round-up of some great stories from our organization and partners in healthcare from this month (and an image and phrase that recently caught my attention on LinkedIn.)
Best,
Karen
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Community healthcare conversations
Since Oct. 19, Minister Thompson and Deputy Minister Legassé and I have been in close to 10 communities hearing and exchanging conversations in healthcare. Topics have ranged from extending the scope of some practitioners to providing more fulsome care to vulnerable discussions on the impact of systemic racism in healthcare.
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Stewart E. Allen Hybrid Operating Room
The first hybrid operating room in Atlantic Canada is officially open at the QEII Health Sciences Centre's Halifax Infirmary site.
"Hybrid ORs are the way of the future," said Eileen MacGibbon, Vice-President, Operations, Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health. "Most everything needed for the patient can be provided in one room; emergencies or complications can be handled in one location without needing to transport the patient between radiology and operating suites. As well, a hybrid OR provides enormous flexibility in what surgeries can be performed. This is a huge advancement for Nova Scotia Health."
The new OR is named for Stewart E. Allen after the self-made business leader and philanthropist from Truro who donated $1 million to the QEII Foundation’s fundraising effort.
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Mental health day hospital coming to Cape Breton
Opening next year at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the mental health day hospital will be an additional point of care for people living with mental illness. People in need of intensive treatment can attend during the day and return home in the evening.
Recovery Support Centre at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital
Wellness and withdrawal management services at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg have transitioned to a recovery support centre. The centre serves as a hub for adults who require less intensive withdrawal management and other recovery supports. The team at the centre will work with people to develop an individualized plan and match them to the care that best supports their recovery.
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Mobile primary care clinic travelling across province
The mobile primary care clinic was created through Nova Scotia Health’s Innovation Hub and is a partnership between Nova Scotia Health, Emergency Health Services, key community partners and PRAXES Medical Group. Care is provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedics and other primary care providers.
Although a temporary service to bridge gaps in care, patients continue to speak positively about the convenience of booking and the excellent, friendly care they receive. In addition, clinic staff are enjoying this innovative approach to care delivery.
Read about the clinic's recent stop in Halifax over Remembrance Day long weekend.
Read more about mobile primary care, including upcoming community visits.
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Dismantling systemic racism in healthcare
The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) is developing a Health Equity Framework with partners across the health system, to be released in July 2023. The Health Equity Framework is a requirement for NS Bill 96, The “Dismantling Racism and Hate Act”, passed in Spring 2022.
The Health Equity Framework will call for actions across Nova Scotia’s health system to make it more appropriate, accessible, and effective for all who need it and for those who work within it.
We are asking diverse people, groups, and communities across the province to share their experiences with our health system. This feedback will form the basis for what's included in the Health Equity Framework and will help build a health system for everyone.
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Chats on change
I've stepped up to the mic and am hosting a regular podcast with Nova Scotia Health staff, physicians and health partners!
Every few weeks, I sit down with a leading healthcare mind and get a peak behind the curtain on innovative solutions and culture-shifting concepts.
If you have a suggestion for a topic, I'd love to hear it. E-mail me.
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Team members recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Health Housekeepers Association
Facilities Support Services at Nova Scotia Health play an integral role at each facility across the province. This workforce of more than 1,000 people ensures our facilities undergo rigorous cleaning and maintenance protocols to keep our patients, essential care partners and staff safe.
Five team members were recently recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Health Housekeepers Association (CHHA) after being selected from more than 150 applications from across the country.
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Community funding to Support Healthcare Recruitment and Retention
Community groups and municipalities can now apply for up to $100,000 for projects to help recruit and retain healthcare professionals in Nova Scotia.
Projects could include hosting community retention events, developing marketing materials and undertaking initiatives to make a community more welcoming to healthcare workers.
Applications must be received by December 19.
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