Starting Saturday, December 14, 2024, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department has changed to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
Please plan for extra travel time when coming to the QEII Halifax Infirmary. As of February 18, the easternmost, northbound lane of Robie Street will be closed for the duration of the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project, leaving two lanes open. Expect potential delays and consider alternative routes when possible.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a free, voluntary home-visiting program offered by Public Health’s Early Years program. The program pairs a specially trained nurse with a person who is pregnant with their first child and could benefit from additional support. The partnership starts early in the pregnancy and continues until the child’s second birthday. The nurse provides long-term support, guidance and information to help the family succeed.
This program is currently available in Eastern Zone, Northern Zone and Western Zone.
Nurse-Family Partnership is designed to help improve pregnancy outcomes, inequities in care, and help children have positive health, growth and development outcomes, and set families on the best path forward for a healthy and happy life.
To accomplish these goals, the nurse works with the client, and their families, to identify their personal and parenting goals, to support the development of skills, and to move forward independently when the partnership is over.
For the client to get the most out of the program, the partnership should begin as early as possible in pregnancy, no later than 28 weeks.
People who are interested in NFP can self-refer to the program by contacting Public Health in their zone. A Public Health Nurse will help the family decide if the program is the right fit for them.
Eastern Zone
Cape Breton, Guysborough, Antigonish
902-867-2056 (Toll Free: 1-833 867 0880)
earlyyearsez@nshealth.ca
Northern Zone
Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland, Pictou
902-667-3319
nzeynurses@nshealth.ca
Western Zone
Annapolis Valley, South Shore, South West Nova Scotia
1-833-601-0949 (Toll Free)
earlyyearswz@nshealth.ca
If calling, please leave a message and your call will be returned.
Referrals can also be made by a primary care provider, a community organization (like a Family Resource Centre) or a school-based program (like SchoolsPlus).
Nurse-Family Partnership may not be right for everyone, but other Early Years services are available to meet a variety of needs.
Nurse-Family Partnership is available in 8 countries, including Canada. You can read stories from other families who have gone through the program here.
Much of Nova Scotia's healthcare program and service information is now available on the YourHealthNS mobile app. Download for free on the Apple Store and Android Apps for Google Play.
