Terrilee O’Connell is a nurse practitioner providing care for patients with hematologic cancers in the tri-county area of Yarmouth, Digby, and Shelburne. Before this position was created, patients with blood cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myelomas, had to travel to Halifax to see a hematologist.

O’Connell sees patients at the Cancer Care Clinic at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia, where there is a community nurse practitioner in hematology without there also being a hematologist on-site.

The Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (NSOSIC) is embarking on a journey to transform mental health and addiction service offerings. By developing a multi-year training plan, NSOSIC aims to revolutionize interventions, ensuring individuals receive holistic, evidence-based care tailored to their needs.

NSOSIC belongs to a national network of Operational Stress and Injury Clinics funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. 

Former intensive care unit (ICU) nurses Yolanda Baker and Robin Fraser worked together at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. 

Independently, they identified a need for more inclusive language in forms used on their unit to assess the health of patients, which has led to significant improvements in patient care.

Today, Nova Scotia Health interim President and CEO Karen Oldfield announced the appointment of Candace Thomas, K.C. as Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Nova Scotia Health. 

“Candace Thomas is a senior leader in the legal community whose expertise in corporate governance will help us continue to build our health services network,” said Oldfield. “I know she will be an important contributor and am delighted she is joining the team.”

The Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) is an important initiative that is addressing the pressing need for qualified family physicians in the province. By integrating international medical graduates (IMGs) into the local healthcare system, NSPRAP not only enhances the medical workforce but also ensures that high standards of health care in our province is maintained.

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. 

A truly collaborative partnership between Millbrook First Nation and Nova Scotia Health is set to bring about the construction of an enhanced healthcare facility for the community and surrounding areas. 

Nova Scotia Health advises those with appointments at Covington Place (332 Willow Street, Truro) to plan extra travel time due to construction at the intersection of McClures Mills Road and Willow Street.

Work will continue until November, resulting in significant traffic disruptions and detours. Individuals and families are reminded that the back entrance on McClures Mills Road is not accessible at this time, so please use caution when entering and exiting the main entrance on Willlow Street.

Today we are shining a light on Shania Badri, a vibrant force in the world of primary healthcare. 

As a Practice Facilitator for the Colchester-East Hants Network, Badri works closely with clinics in the Elmsdale and Shubenacadie area to identify and support changes that allow operations to run smoothly so that primary healthcare teams can focus on what they do best - providing top-notch patient care.

Today we are introducing Angie Shand, a catalyst working behind the scenes at Nova Scotia Health, where she serves as the Primary Health Care Coordinator focused on Practice Support for the Western Zone, covering Shelburne, Yarmouth, and Digby. Originally hailing from Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, Angie has called Nova Scotia home for the past 25 years, dedicating herself to healthcare after transitioning from an IT background.