Vaccines are a safe and effective preventative health measure that save lives. Supporting access to free, routine vaccines has always been a core part of Public Health work. Over the past few years, this has become a much bigger undertaking with the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, while continuing to support a robust annual influenza vaccine campaign.

Nova Scotia Health Public Health has linked four cases of Salmonella infection in the Northern and Central Zones to the national outbreak first reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada in November 2023. The cases in Nova Scotia were initially investigated in late November, however, the National Microbiology Laboratory has just confirmed that these cases were caused by the same strain of bacteria identified in the national outbreak. All cases presented with symptoms, were tested, and have all since recovered with appropriate medical care. 

Nova Scotia Health is hosting a drop-in community wellness event on Wednesday, Dec. 13 in Springhill to provide support and share information on substance use harm reduction strategies.

In recent months, Springhill families have lost loved ones to opioid overdose. The impact of these tragic events has been felt throughout the community, and many have raised questions about what resources are available.

The QEII Health Sciences Centre recently reached the one-year anniversary of the Stewart E. Allen Hybrid Operating Room (OR) which combines advanced imaging technology within an operating room. 

If you’ve ever dropped by the cafeteria at Soldiers Memorial Hospital (SMH) in Middleton, chances are you’ve received a warm welcome from Kathy Sabean.

The new year will mark Sabean’s 40-year career at SMH.

“When I was 15, I started working at the hospital after school. In fact, my first job was to empty all the ashtrays and wash the tables,” Sabean recalled with a chuckle. “People were still smoking bedside at that time.”

YARMOUTH — The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized Yarmouth Regional Hospital as one of 78 ACS NSQIP participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2022.  

As a participant in ACS NSQIP, Yarmouth Regional Hospital is required to track the outcomes of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures and collect data that assesses patient safety and can be used to direct improvement in the quality of surgical care. 

Public Health supports access to COVID-19 and influenza immunization, as well as COVID-19 testing across the province. To help ensure all Nova Scotians have access to these important services, we will be holding testing and immunization clinics next week. All upcoming clinics can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/PHMU.

Nova Scotia Health will launch a new transitional care centre in Bedford in 2024 with services provided by Shannex. The 68-bed centre will be a new setting to help hospital patients who might otherwise have required long term care successfully return to their homes.

ANNAPOLIS VALLEY, N.S. – Blood collection and specimen sample drop-off services at Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre in Wolfville (EKM), and Western Kings Memorial Community Health

Due to the unexpected closure of Dr. Daya Kodagoda’s family practice, located at 201-185 Bentinck St., Sydney, Nova Scotia Health is offering short-term, immediate support for patients until February 2024.