A collaboration between sports medicine physician, Dr. Jacquelyn Corkum, and the QEII Health Sciences Centre (QEII) plastic surgery team has led to the trial of a new hand assessment initiative that helps patients with trigger finger receive more timely initial assessments and management of their problem.

Meet Jana Colwill, the primary healthcare coordinator working as a practice facilitator extraordinaire, hailing from Chester Basin in Nova Scotia. With a rich background spanning 15 years at Nova Scotia Health, Colwill brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role.

Winter conditions have firmly set in and layers of snow and ice pack under foot – prime conditions for a serious fall, but a fun time to emulate the walking style of a certain stoutly tuxedo-wearing bird.

In safety circles, it’s commonly referred to as the "penguin walk" and it’s a squatty stride that can help pedestrians navigate tricky ground, even when it’s been treated with salt or sand.

In October 2024, the Spryfield community welcomed two pediatricians, Dr. Rockey Chen and Dr. Michael Treece. With their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to improving children's health, these two doctors bring their expertise to the newly opened Spryfield Children’s Health Clinic.

In a collaborative effort between Nova Scotia Health Primary Health Care and IWK Community Pediatrics, this is the first clinic using a new “hybrid model” that delivers a combination of primary care and consultant care to pediatric patients. 

Debra Muise, a dedicated primary healthcare coordinator working as a practice facilitator in the Western Zone, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for improving primary healthcare to her role. Hailing from Yarmouth, Muise's journey to her current position has been filled with diverse experiences, starting from her 13-year tenure at Public Health as a bio clerk and administrative assistant.

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

Nova Scotia Health has paused the text message appointment reminder service after discovering a small proportion of patients had incorrect times included in their reminder on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The reminders will remain paused while we address the issue. This affects reminders for appointments at Nova Scotia Health and IWK services and some specialists.

Information about upcoming appointments remains accessible through the YourHealthNS app and website.

We apologize to those affected patients and providers.

Primary healthcare coordinators in Nova Scotia are working in practice facilitator roles to improve clinic operations and patient care by addressing inefficiencies and fostering a culture of collaboration. They work directly with frontline teams to support primary healthcare improvement and health home transformation, focusing on optimizing electronic medical record use, enhancing clinic efficiency, strengthening team collaboration and improving access to care.

The Njoku family has made a significant impact on both the medical community and the town of Digby. Dr. Chidozie "Obi" and Dr. Jane Njoku, both dedicated physicians, immigrated from Nigeria and moved to the beautiful town of Digby with their beautiful triplets. Their journey from Nigeria to Canada is one filled with resilience, love, and a deep commitment to community health.

Nova Scotia Health’s Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators (MIPN) are eager to get the word out about the services they offer to Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous patients in hospitals across the province.

Jennifer Crossman, MIPN for Northern Zone (Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou areas) said, “I’d rather have patients referred, and me not be needed, than be needed and not have patients referred.” Her MIPN colleagues in the three other zones agree.