Dr. Justin Blaauwendraat seamlessly transitioned into the role of Research Residency Coordinator with the North Nova Cabinet, embodying the essence of mentorship and guidance. 

“Contributing to medical education is immensely rewarding,” he shares, emphasizing the joy of witnessing students pursue their interests. Dr. Blaauwendraat’s role involves supporting residents through their required research projects, guiding them in selecting topics, crafting presentations, and facilitating journal clubs. 

A newly opened ultrasound unit at the Eskasoni Health Centre will provide improved access to care for patients. 

An ultrasound is a diagnostic test that takes images of organs and structures inside of the patient using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasounds can help diagnose abdominal, kidney, pelvic and thyroid issues. Ultrasounds are also used to monitor the growth and development of babies. 

Nova Scotia Health is expanding the use of the digital app, SeamlessMD, to prepare patients for heart (cardiac) surgery and support them throughout their recovery. 

Nova Scotia Health has created Mi’kmaw Indigenous Navigator roles across the province - two are based in Central Zone - to help improve healthcare access and experiences for Mi’kmaw and Indigenous people. Jacquie Potvin-Boucher and Stephanie Francis are working to bridge understanding between patients and providers; an action that is long overdue.

Margaret (Peggy) Buckle’s warm and cheerful smile reveals how happy she is living with her daughter in Halifax. However, achieving this has taken determination by Peggy and her daughter as well as support from a community of healthcare team members to enable her to return home following an extended hospital stay.

Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of hepatitis A in the Northern Zone. Though risk to the public is low, there may be members of the public who were exposed to the virus.

Public Health is asking anyone who ate and/or drank food at the Tim Hortons location at 118 South Albion St. in Amherst, between May 30 and June 14, and who have experienced the symptoms below since June 15, or develop them over the next four weeks, to see a primary care provider.

Public Health supports access to testing and immunization in Nova Scotia. To help ensure local access to these important services, Public Health will be holding clinics in communities across the province next week. All upcoming clinics can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/PHMU.

Jennifer Crossman joins Nova Scotia Health as the new Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator (MIPN) for the Northern Zone. Currently, Jennifer is one of five navigators across the province who Indigenous patients and families can connect with while receiving Nova Scotia Health care and services. Jennifer, a Mi’kmaw member of Paqtnkek First Nation, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role.

Nova Scotia Health’s Perioperative Nursing Program (PONP) has wrapped up recruitment for its next offering, with more 40 nurses expected to complete the program by the end of the year.

For nearly thirty-years, the program has been preparing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to gain the knowledge and skills they need to join surgical teams across the province. The program helps advance their clinical judgement, thinking, and leadership to meet the dynamic and complex needs of surgery patients.

Nova Scotia Health marks five-years since it welcomed registered nurse first assistants (RNFA) to operating rooms. In 2019, the RNFA pilot program began in the Eastern Zone at Cape Breton Regional Hospital as part of the Hip and Knee Action Plan.