This icon will flag items requiring action. Based on physician feedback, we’ve added this feature to streamline your review of this weekly newsletter. A summary of action items will also appear at the top for quick reference.

This Week’s Action Item(s):

• If you are a physician who accesses the Eastern Zone On-Call Calendar on our Intranet, read below for updated instructions to access new Intranet page on April 1.
• Occupational Health Safety & Wellness(OHSW) is strongly recommending that ALL physicians review their routine immunization status with OHSW including Measles immunity.
• Take the survey: Optimizing Access and Efficiency in Ambulatory Specialty Care Services here

Further details are provided below.

Starting April 1, the Eastern Zone Physician On-Call Calendar will be available through the Compass using SharePoint Online. While the calendar will look a bit different, it will

function the same. This change is required as part of the migration to the Compass. 

Key Information: 

• All users must log in with Nova Scotia Health credentials. The site is accessible to all with valid Active Directory (AD) accounts. Anonymous access is not permitted. 
• Help and support are available before and after launch. 

This calendar is a provisional measure until a longer-term, physician-friendly scheduling tool is in place. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this transition. 

For more information or assistance, please reach out to our support team. If you get the

M365 login prompt, enter your Nova Scotia Health email address and passphrase.

For any account issues, reach out to Leah.Carpenter@nshealth.ca or the Help Desk. 

~shared on behalf of Occupational Health Safety & Wellness, & the Emerging & Re-emerging Infections Network (ERIN)

The number of measles cases across Canada has currently surpassed the total of all cases in 2024. As part of organizational measles preparation and planning Occupational Health Safety & Wellness (OHSW) is in the process reviewing immunization status of team members and physicians working in high-risk areas and departments.

Physicians should be aware of their immunization status, and ensure it is reported to OHSW so that susceptibility in the event of an exposure can be quickly ascertained. In addition to the risks related to contracting measles infection, non-immune health care workers, including physicians, who care for patients with confirmed measles infection, without wearing an N95 respirator may be placed on a temporary leave of absence for up to 28 days post exposure. Please refer to policy AD-OHS-015 Immunization section 8.1. A measles exposure fact sheet is also available in the Measles section of the ERIN HUB. 

Recognizing that most physicians have likely trained at an institution that required proof of immunity, in addition to proof of receipt of routine childhood immunization, Occupational Health Safety & Wellness is strongly recommending that ALL physicians review their routine immunization status with OHSW including Measles immunity. Measles immunity can be proven by:

• Bloodwork looking for Measles IgG
• Laboratory documented evidence of measles infection
• Documented receipt of 2 doses of Measles-containing vaccine (the first administered after 12 months of age).

Physicians may be able to access their immunization records through VaxRecordNS.

Once records have been obtained, Physicians can self-report confirmed vaccination status by visiting the following OHSW link: Report your Vaccines.  

Please ensure you select the "Employee Lookup" button on the second page of the webform.

A dialogue box will appear requesting you enter your first name, second name and birth date. 

Please ensure you enter your name based on your privileging process. The birth date must be entered in the format of YYYY/MM/DD you must enter the / between the year, month, and date.

Please contact an NS Health Occupational Health Nurse at OHSWMatters@nshealth.ca to:

• request a review of your immunization record or, 
• receive a measles-containing vaccine.

As a reminder:

• Susceptible (non-immune) physicians should not care for patients with suspected or confirmed measles if possible.
• In the case of a patient with confirmed measles, IPAC and OHSW will work with PH to begin contact tracing for patients and healthcare workers. Contact tracing does not occur until the case has been confirmed by the Lab.
• Physicians who feel they may have been exposed to a patient with confirmed measles, outside of a NS Health interaction, may reach out to OHSW to obtain work clearance before entering a NS Health facility via OHSWMatters@nshealth.ca
• The ERIN HUB provides up to date guidance regarding measles screening, testing, order sets, vaccines, immunizations, IPAC, OHSW guidance and Public Health memos. 
• IPAC documents pertaining to measles can also be located on the IPAC intranet site  under HOT TOPICS.

·       

This memo has also been posted on the ERIN HUB at the following link.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to keeping patients, families, and each other safe. 

In collaboration with Central Zone Operations, the Integrated Acute and Episodic Care Network is launching a project to streamline and standardize access to ambulatory specialty care services in Nova Scotia Health. This initiative will ensure consistent processes for referral intake, triaging and scheduling, and support the adoption of electronic systems to ensure seamless access to specialists while improving both patient and provider experiences. 

As we begin the project your input is essential, and we encourage you to participate in our survey to share your insights and contribute to this important project.

Your feedback will help shape a more efficient, patient-centered healthcare system. 

http://surveys.novascotia.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=7lLJ6m533 

We are pleased to share that on May 1st, healthcare providers in Nova Scotia using the eReferral tool (Ocean) will begin sending electronic referrals for both adult and pediatric gastroenterology specialists. IWK gastroenterology specialists were added to the eReferral tool when surgical eReferrals rolled out in 2023, and work is now underway to help other gastroenterologists across Nova Scotia join them.

The new Gastroenterology form, designed with input from gastroenterologists and primary care providers, is designed specifically for symptomatic patients requiring gastroenterology consultation.

The new Colon Cancer Screening form, developed in collaboration with the Colon Cancer Prevention Program, streamlines the referral process for asymptomatic patients. These referrals will be routed through Surgical & Gastroenterology Central intake, who will efficiently manage the routing of these referrals alongside GI and General Surgery referrals.

Gastroenterologists will use this tool to receive, manage and follow-up on digital consult requests directed to them. They will also begin using the tool to refer their patients to the services available within the tool, including their surgical colleagues, and the Diagnostic Imaging Services available now (e.g., MRI, ultrasounds and bone mineral density) as well as new services as they are added.

We are grateful to the many staff members, healthcare providers, and teams who have prioritized this work. Thank you for your continued collaboration!

Visit the Physician Information and Wellness Portal for more resources and the latest updates.

More resources:

·      Why Electronic Referrals for Gastroenterology?

·      Gastroenterology eReferral FAQs

·      eReferral Training & Resources

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) has recently updated their guidelines for temporary or permanent practice closures.

You can read it here: Temporarily or Permanently Closing a Medical Practice - Standards & Guidelines College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia

Public Health launched an exciting new immunization campaign on March 24. The theme, “Vaccines Work,” focuses on the message that vaccines are safe and effective and encourages Nova Scotians to make sure their routine vaccines are up-to-date.

Starting this week, you will likely see our campaign on digital platforms like YouTube, TruTrade, Google, Facebook, Instagram and more. You can download resources, like our new brochure, posters, FAQs and infographics, on our Immunization webpage. You can also check out the new Vaccines Work video on YouTube – it’s only 15 seconds but offers a timely example of vaccination’s impact on public health.

As part of this campaign, Public Health has also developed a specialized toolkit for vaccine providers to help you stay up-to-date on the latest policies, educate patients and clients about routine vaccines and respond to vaccine hesitancy. You can find the toolkit here on the Physician Information and Wellness Portal.

What is in the toolkit?

The toolkit offers a mix of resources providers can post or share with clients, references for vaccine administration, and evidence-based, Canadian resources that can be used to inform your practice, including:

• Resources for Routine Vaccine Administration
• Resources for Patients and Clients
• Nova Scotia Immunization Policies
• Resources for Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
•  Resources for Needle Selection and Landmarking
• Resources from the Canadian Immunization Guide

This site is regularly updated as new materials become available.

Why is this toolkit so important?

Vaccines are safe, effective, and have saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention. Despite this, fewer people are choosing vaccination, leading to a resurgence of previously rare or eradicated diseases, like measles.

Healthcare providers play a critical role in educating patients and clients about the importance of vaccination. This toolkit gives you access to new and credible information in a format that can be easily shared with the people you serve.

Public Health is dedicated to improving vaccine uptake across Nova Scotia. Thank you for helping make this possible. 

Public Health has launched a new online resource designed for healthcare providers who are seeking reliable information about fluoride and oral health - Oral Health for Providers.

This page includes evidence-based information and answers important questions about fluoride, oral health coverage, Public Health services and more. It also includes a robust toolkit with the following resources:

• Information Shared with Municipalities and Local Water System Operators
• Handouts and Resources for Patients and Providers
• Online Oral Health Resources
• Provincial and Federal Dental Coverage

We welcome you to view the new site and refer to it when discussing issues related to fluoride and oral health with clients, patients and partners. 

Read highlights from the March 2025 Perioperative Network meeting and stay up to date on all Perioperative related news.

We invite you to share story ideas with us at: Perioperative.Services@nshealth.ca

If you are looking for more information on One Person One Record (OPOR), check out the OPOR Hub! (must be on the IWK Health or Nova Scotia Health network to access) The OPOR Hub is your one-stop-shop for the latest information and resources. Additional information, links and resources will be added over time - so make sure to bookmark this site for easy access. 

OPOR-CIS Scope Update

The scope for the One Person One Record Clinical Information System (OPOR-CIS) is vast and varied across the health care system and will impact nearly every area of patient care. The initial implementation will begin with IWK Health and then roll out across Nova Scotia Health facilities and sites over 18 months.   

After consultation and many discussions with Nova Scotia Health primary health care leadership, it was decided that primary care clinics would not be included until the completion of the OPOR-CIS implementation. Once implemented across acute care, the OPOR Program will continue to work with Nova Scotia Health primary health care teams and partners to finalize design and scope, including virtual care. Chronic disease management clinics are included in the first implementation timeline and will Go-live with their IWK Health and Nova Scotia Health sites.   

Consultation with Nova Scotia Health primary health care teams and partners, along with the implementation of the CIS in other acute care ambulatory services, will inform the future design. This is an important step in ensuring we have the right system features to properly serve primary health care.  

The OPOR Program and the Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program recently announced that adult oncology will now be in scope for the OPOR-CIS.

Clinical documentation and Computerized Provider Order Entry for systemic therapy, including medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, and hematology, will use the OPOR-CIS. The Cancer Care Program will move forward with Varian and the ARIA system for radiation oncology clinical documentation, the patient engagement app, ARIA mobile, data, and AI. 

The OPOR Program Team will work with Cancer Care teams to build on workflows to inform the design of adult cancer care modules in the CIS over the next several months. Anticipated timeline for clinical documentation and CPOE implementation for systemic therapy through OPOR is early 2026 in Central Zone, with other sites around the province rolling out OPOR over the following 18 months. 

OPOR-CIS Program Update: Progress and Testing

The OPOR-CIS program is nearing the completion of its build and test phase, with 87% of the build completed to date and 88% of the system testing complete. In March, the program continues with the formal Test Phase. The first Integrated Testing (IT1) event was a success, and testing will continue with a second Integrated Testing event. IT2 will re-execute many of the testing scenarios from IT1, ensuring that any implemented resolutions to previously discovered defects are successful, and will likely involve clinician involvement throughout the testing process. 

Did you know? Go-Live Command Centers

During Go-Live, a centralized OPOR Command Center will serve as the hub for the OPOR deployment team, enabling them to monitor, manage, and support the system launch during the initial weeks.

Additionally, each site will have a local command center to address immediate issues as they arise. This includes At-the-Elbow (ATE) support! ATE team members will assist end users with system navigation during the first month following the OPOR system's deployment at the sites.

~A Message from Anna Marenick, Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging

I’m thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Making Waves Awards. I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to watch the 2024 Making Waves Awards Video that celebrates the 2024 recipients and their extraordinary work.

The goal of the Making Waves Awards Program, co-sponsored by belairdirect, is to recognize the high level of dedication of the people that make up Nova Scotia Health and advance our vision, mission, values, and strategic directions. For the 2024 Making Waves Awards, I’m pleased to share that we received over 160 nominations – a significant increase from previous years and a testament to how we’re strengthening our culture of recognition and putting people and culture first.

Nova Scotia Health is one of the largest employers in Nova Scotia. Our work reaches every corner of this province and inevitably touches every single Nova Scotian. Our dedicated employees, physicians, researchers, learners, and volunteers devote their valuable time and skills to providing the best possible care to our patients, clients and communities, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

This devotion shines through in all of the nominations we received. It’s clear our amazing team members leave a lasting impact on their colleagues and patients.

Whatever your role at Nova Scotia Health, you are valuable and vitally important to

ensuring the health and wellness of all Nova Scotians now and in the future, and for that, we are forever grateful.

I’m happy to highlight this year’s recipients here:

Employee & Physician Category

• Leadership Excellence Award – Physician Leader Dr. Ahmed Saleh, Physician, Psychiatrist – Western Zone
• Leadership Excellence Award – Employee Leader Jessica McNutt, Manager -Clinical Outpatient, Northern Zone
• Don Currie Workplace Safety Champion Award Hannah Buchanan, Administrative Assistant - IMIT with the YourHealthNS Project
• Award of Distinction Sharon MacLeod, Clinical Nurse Educator, Cape Breton Regional Hospital
• EDIRA Award Rhea Farris, Health Services Leader, Western Zone
• Outstanding Contribution Award Brian Cho, Physiotherapist, Central Zone

Research and Innovation Category

• Innovator Award Conor Newcombe, Analytics Lead, Central Zone
• Early Career/Emerging Researcher Award Dr. Amanda Vinson, Nephrologist, Central Zone

Community Excellence Category

• Outstanding Hospital Volunteer Award John Shaw, Volunteer, Cape Breton Regional Hospital
• Outstanding Community Contribution Award (CHB) Wallace-Wentworth-Pugwash and Area Community Health Board
• Outstanding Community Partner Volunteer Award Valley Regional Hospital Foundation
• Outstanding Patient Family Advisor Award Catherine Buckie, Provincial Zone
• Outstanding Community Based Volunteer Award (CHB Individual Member) Davie Hartley, Western Zone

Note: we did not receive any nominations for the Outstanding Researcher Award.

Congratulations to our 2024 Making Waves Award winners and all who were nominated for this year’s awards! Being nominated is a true testament to the positive impact you’ve had on those around you.

To everyone who took the time to nominate someone, thank you for your effort in highlighting the incredible contributions of others. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the panel members for their thoughtful review and evaluation of the nominations. Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Making Waves Awards and helped celebrate the remarkable individuals who make a difference every day.

We’ll be sharing profiles of the recipients soon to further celebrate their accomplishments through Nova Scotia Health News and our social media channels. Watch out for those profiles, and when nominations open for the 2025 Making Waves Awards, please consider nominating an individual or team that you believe is making a positive impact.

Physician Leader: Leading the Way in Trauma-Informed Care

April 23, 2025 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Virtual: Zoom

During this session, you will learn:

• Understand Empathic Strain, Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout and recognize the symptoms associated.
• Define psychological safety and learn strategies to foster a psychologically safe work environment.
• Provide guidance on best practice when conducting informal and formal debriefs.
• Learn how to implement practical techniques and tools to promote wellness in the workplace.
• Understand the principles of trauma-informed care and their application to patient care and workplace interactions in healthcare settings.
• Recognize the signs of trauma in patients, colleagues, and oneself, and apply appropriate, non-triggering responses.
• Learn strategies to create safe, supportive environments that minimize re-traumatization risks for patients and staff.

Register here

About the Speakers:

Dr. Aaron Smith is a medical executive committed to improving health systems through innovation and continuous learning. He is also deeply focused on understanding the social determinants of health to foster more effective and equitable models of care. As the Provincial Medical Executive Director and Operational Lead for Primary Care Clinics and Health Homes, Aaron blends strategic leadership with active clinical practice in Hospitalist Medicine.

He holds an MD from Dalhousie University and has completed graduate studies in Community Health and Epidemiology. A Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and a Certified Physician Executive by the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders, Aaron is dedicated to advancing patient care and transforming health systems. His work is defined by collaboration, a strong community focus, and forward-thinking strategies.

Rachel Askett is the Wellness and Education Lead within Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellness. She works alongside the OHSW team to advance psychological safety within healthcare setting guided by the National Standard. Her approach to education is strengths-based and focuses on facilitating connections for knowledge sharing. 

She holds a Master of Public Health from Queen's University, obtained a bachelor's degree in health education from Laurentian University, and has completed a Knowledge Translation Professional Certificate. She has implemented workplace wellness initiatives within the Mining and Manufactauring Industry, the Canadian Armed Forces and now, Nova Scotia Health. 

Luke MacMillan is the Provincial Wellness Manager within Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellness at Nova Scotia Health. He oversees wellness initiatives across the province, leading efforts to improve occupational health and psychological safety for Nova Scotia Health staff & team members. Departmental methods are rooted in evidence-based and preventative strategies, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to enhance workplace wellness.

He holds a Master of Science from the University of New Brunswick and is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, with experience in chronic disease management, rehabilitation, mental health, and health policy development. Luke has led programs for diverse populations, including his time spent as Manager of Health Promotion for CFB Halifax. 

These presentations are part of Medical Affairs' seminar series, "Leadership in Focus: Empowering Physicians as Change Leaders in Medicine." As our healthcare system continues to evolve, these seminars offer a chance for Physicians to gain practical tools and actionable strategies to lead with confidence. Each session will focus on timely topics to help you navigate change, drive health transformation, and make a meaningful impact in your role as a healthcare leader.

Vehicle and pedestrian access to the QEII emergency department (ED) via Bell Road will be temporarily changed to accommodate construction work as part of the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project. 

Key changes for vehicles from Friday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. to Sunday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m.:

• Bell Road will be reduced to eastbound traffic only, coming east on Quinpool Road, as well as north and southbound on Robie Street.
• Emergency department access will be limited to eastbound traffic only on Bell Road, via a right turn into to the ED driveway.
• Vehicles will not have access to Bell Road from the Summer Street and Trollope Street intersection.

Key changes for pedestrians from Sunday, March 30 to Friday, May 2:

• Sections of the sidewalks on Cogswell Street and Bell Road will be temporarily closed.
• Pedestrians are encouraged to use a detour route to access the ED on foot.
• The detour route travels Northeast on the northernmost sidewalk along Cogswell Street, crossing at the pedestrian crosswalk and back towards the Halifax Common Aquatics Facility. Signage will direct pedestrians along the pathway through the aquatics facility to an open stretch of sidewalk on Bell Road. Follow the sidewalk eastbound to the crosswalk to reach the ED entrance sidewalk.

These lane closures are necessary to support infrastructure upgrades that will bring full power to the new QEII acute care tower.

This work is proceeding under an approved traffic safety plan by the Halifax Regional Municipality. Traffic control personnel will be on site, and detour signage will be in place.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to expect delays and plan their routes accordingly. For complete Halifax Transit detour information, including maps, visit the Halifax Transit website, and refer to Bell Road traffic delay.  

We appreciate your patience as this essential work is completed.

For more information visit QE2Renew.ca.

1-833-876-1724

If you're a physician seeking support for your practice or wishing to provide feedback, please reach out to our hotline. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.

In the event we're engaged in another call, rest assured your voice message will be promptly addressed within one business day. Your concerns will be directed to the Medical Affairs team and our health system partners for resolution.

Our task force is committed to returning calls and scheduling meetings with practices at mutually convenient times.

Wellness resources for physicians have been migrated to an actively monitored page on the Physician Information Portal. You can access it here.

If you have an item to submit, please reply to this newsletter.