Debbie Hannam is a registered nurse with Seniors Mental Health in Nova Scotia Health’s Western Zone. With a 50-year career under her belt, she says she’s well past retirement age and jokes that her last morning of work will come right before the afternoon of her funeral. 

“It helps, I think, working with a good team, doing a job you really like,” says Debbie, who is part of a “small, tight-knit team of two geriatric psychiatrists, two nurses and a social worker who work very well together, respecting and utilizing each other’s strengths.”

Head injuries, such as concussions, can be challenging and often unpredictable, with recovery requiring not only physical healing but also emotional and mental resilience. For many, including Kelly Bellamon, navigating the complexities of concussion recovery can be a long and difficult journey.

Kelly is a nurse and clinical nurse educator at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, where she has worked since 1998. Over the years, Kelly has sustained multiple head injuries, including a severe concussion from a motorcycle accident when a deer collided with her motorcycle.

“Sarah’s patients hold her in the highest regard. If she moved to another province tomorrow, her patients would likely follow her. They all say she’s worth her weight in gold.”

For 37 years, the Christmas tree at Aberdeen Hospital has brought light and joy to patients, staff, and the New Glasgow community. This cherished tradition, made possible by Nova Scotia Power (NSP), is more than just a festive display—it’s a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from NSP to the hospital staff who work tirelessly throughout the year.

Nicki Doyle digs into Nova Scotia Health’s data to help build a picture of where the organization is doing well, and where the system needs to improve. Colleague Fraser Mooney, senior communications advisor, described her as “our go-to person for all things numbers,” comparing her to the math-loving dragon Pythagoras in Sheree Fitch’s children’s book, Sleeping Dragons All Around. 

Culturally specific Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics enable people of African descent to receive vaccinations in a place that feels familiar and respectful. Appointments are not needed to attend Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics, drop-ins are welcome. Although these clinics are culturally specific, all are welcome to attend.

The following Black Health and wellness Clinics will be held over the next week:

Ward One Recreation
487 Brother St., New Glasgow
Saturday, Dec. 14 from 12 - 4 p.m.

With The Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health such a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today we’re featuring Nicole Doiron, Nutrition and Food Services utility worker.

Nicole Doiron has a bright smile and a warm presence, two of the qualities she brings to her role as a Nutrition and Food Services utility worker at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital. She provides meal service to patients in the emergency department (ED) and the women and children’s unit.

Born and raised in India, Philip Chandy has always had a passion for education and community improvement. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in economics, a Bachelor of Education in social science and a Master of Education in curriculum studies.

Chandy joined Nova Scotia Health in 2021 and began his current role as a Practice Facilitator in Spring 2024, which focuses on enhancing the quality of primary healthcare across the Central Zone by working hands on with healthcare teams.

HALIFAX, NS – Starting December 14, vehicle and pedestrian access to the QEII Halifax Infirmary’s Emergency Department (ED) will shift from 1799 Robie St. to 1840 Bell Rd. permanently, where a new patient drop-off area, ED parking, and complimentary curbside parking service will be available. On the same day, the current temporary ED drop-off and parking on Robie Street will close. The ED main building entrance will remain the same.

HALIFAX, N.S. – Doors open this week to Nova Scotia’s first stand-alone transitional heath centre, welcoming a total of eight new patients currently cared for in hospital.

Another nine patients will be transferred next week.

The centre will accept a total of 68 patients in the coming months. An additional 110 rooms will open in 2026 when Shannex completes an expansion of the health centre.