All forms for Access to Electronic Results (eResults) are now located on the Nova Scotia Provider Digital Health Toolkit.

The forms can be accessed here: Access to Electronic Results (eResults) | Information and Wellness Portal. Don’t forget to bookmark this link for convenient access.

These forms were originally hosted on the Capital District Health Authority website. Since 2015, Nova Scotia Health has managed cdha.nshealth.ca as a “corporate” site for partners who could not access our intranet. As of October 29, the corporate site has been permanently taken offline.

If you have any questions, please contact PHCCA@nshealth.ca. 

Planning for retirement can be stressful, especially for physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for others. The Retirement Seminar on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom, hosted by Nova Scotia Health and Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS), is designed to help physicians take the first step in thinking about their future beyond practice. 

This virtual seminar will guide attendees through key retirement topics, including how to announce your retirement, review of DNS practice closure guide, TIP-TOP Program, panel cleanup work, after-work opportunities and more.  

Whether you're in the early stages of your career or approaching retirement age, this event will provide valuable insights and practical advice tailored specifically for healthcare professionals. You'll hear from experts in the field who understand the unique challenges physicians face when it comes to retirement planning, interesting opportunities available for retiring physicians and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with peers. 



RSVP today to secure your spot! 

The One Person One Record (OPOR) Education & Learning team has developed a comprehensive training program for future users of the OPOR Clinical Information System (OPOR-CIS). Content has been tailored to meet the needs of different roles and workflows across the healthcare system, and each user will learn how to use the system for their specific role or roles. This learning pathway will lead you from core training modules, through to opportunities for hands-on practice, and post Go-Live support.

Completion of training is mandatory for all future users of the OPOR-CIS (e.g., physicians, non-providers, and employees), starting with online, asynchronous modules. The Education & Learning team believes that the performance goals both support and are supported by the value and protection of patient safety, in addition to supporting healthcare providers in their daily work.

Users will have 16 weeks to complete the online modules and will then move into a classroom module and reference module. The volume of training will vary based on roles.

Phases of Training:

1. Online:

• Role-specific learning journeys
• Videos
• Simulations

2. In-Person:

•  Role-based, in-class training
• Variable duration based on role

3. Hands-On Practice:

•  Practice environment
• Simulations
• Dress rehearsal

Reference materials will be provided to support you along your learning journey, including job aids, workbooks, and tip sheets.

A localized delivery approach will be put in place to minimize the absence of clinical staff from their front-line duties and minimize the requirement for backfill. The Education & Learning team will work closely with operational managers and department leaders to ensure that scheduling of the classroom learning is flexible and minimizes any disruption to patient care. More information regarding training will be shared in the coming months.

Learn more about OPOR and the OPOR-CIS at opor.nshealth.ca

eReferrals Update:

• 100,000+ eReferrals
• Bone Mineral Density eReferrals coming soon!
• New eServices Program
• Expressions of interest – new Clinical Advisory Committee
• User supports

100,000+ eReferrals and record monthly volumes

This fall has marked some big eReferrals milestones and continued progress, including:

• 100,000+ surgical and diagnostic imaging eReferrals (MRI, ultrasounds)
• One year of MRI eReferrals
• New monthly records for referral volumes -- more than 7000 surgical eReferrals and more than 6200 MRI and ultrasound eReferrals.
• The launch of patient survey that is helping us collect information on what this change has meant for our patients
• The creation of the Nova Scotia eServices Program (see more below)

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) eReferrals coming soon!

We are pleased to share that we will go live with bone mineral density (BMD) eReferrals mid-December 2024. Information on what this means follows and additional information and reminders will be shared as the go live date is confirmed.

What to expect when BMD eReferrals go live:

• Referring providers who are onboarded to the eReferral tool (Ocean) will see BMD as a new eReferral option
• Onboarded referrers, including primary care providers and surgeons will be required to use eReferrals to send requests for BMD, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasounds and surgical consults
• BMD, MRI, and ultrasound eReferrals will flow to the DI provincial queue. DI services will receive these referrals via the eReferral tool and from there, they will be sent to the patient’s preferred site for triage.
• Patients who provide an email address with their eReferral will receive ongoing email notifications on their referral, which can help avoid follow-up calls to primary care providers
• Referring providers will have visibility into the status of their eReferrals for BMD, MRI, ultrasound and surgical consults, all within the eReferral tool

New Nova Scotia eServices Program

The new Nova Scotia eServices Program now provides dedicated resources to support the effective use and ongoing expansion of electronic referrals (eReferrals), including user training and supports, enhancements and more.

The team is currently supporting efforts to roll out of BMD eReferrals, with electronic referrals for additional Diagnostic Imaging Services expected to go live in early 2025. Early efforts are also underway to allow gastroenterology services to be added to the specialty referral options within the eReferral tool. Further details will be shared as these efforts advance.

Expressions of interest – new Clinical Advisory Committee

A new Clinical Advisory Committee is being formed to support ongoing efforts to make eReferrals as useful as possible to the healthcare providers who use it. The committee will build on the contributions of primary care, surgeon, and diagnostic imaging advisory groups who have been supporting the eReferrals implementation to date. These groups have been instrumental in advancing many enhancements to the eReferral tool and form, form development and more. To learn more about participation in the advisory committee, please contact the Nova Scotia eServices Program (eServices@nshealth.ca).

User Supports

Through the eServices Program, Nova Scotia has dedicated supports available to offer direct in person or virtual eReferral support to users, including primary care providers, surgeons, and their administrative staff. Questions or requests for support can be submitted at www.referralsns.ca/ask

If you know an American board-certified physician ready for a fresh beginning, let them know Nova Scotia is actively welcoming U.S. physicians. Physicians fully licensed in the U.S. can practice in Nova Scotia without additional certification or exams*. Our Nova Scotia Health Physician Recruitment Team is here to connect through a virtual meeting.

Why Nova Scotia?

• Relocation Allowance: Up to $20,000 to assist with moving expenses.
• Streamlined Immigration: Dedicated immigration pathways for physicians to fast-track relocating from the U.S.
• Incentive Programs: Including a Site Visit Program for physicians and a guest to visit Nova Scotia and explore potential practices.
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Enjoy attractive pay under a new Physician Agreement.

With a variety of full-time, part-time, and locum roles available, please encourage any interested physicians you know to reach out and schedule a virtual meeting. Questions can be directed to physicanrecruit@nshealth.ca.

*Subject to review of qualifications and training.

Dr. Yasmin Sadri and Dr. Nima Fomani are making significant strides in the medical community, bringing their unique backgrounds and shared passions to the forefront of healthcare. Both originally from Iran, their journey has been one of dedication, a commitment to patient care, and love.

Drs. Sadri and Fomani both began their medical journeys at the Iran University of Medical Sciences. Though they were classmates for seven and a half years, their romance didn’t blossom until after graduation. Their shared experiences in medical school laid a strong foundation for both their personal and professional lives.

Learn more about Drs. Sadri and Fomani here.

~shared on behalf of Cybersecurity and Digital Solutions (CSDS) 

Employee information in Active Directory (AD) is being updated so that it is consistent with the employee data in SAP. Effective November 12, 2024, you may notice changes to your information, such as location, manager, and title, in Microsoft Outlook and Teams. This change will align your information in AD with your data in SAP as the source of truth. If you have any questions, contact the I.T. Service Desk.

November 3 to 9 marks Medical Radiation Technologists' Week.

Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) play an essential role in patient care. These technologists work across the province providing magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds and more. Their work ensures that physicians have the detailed images of bones, tissues, and organs that are needed, to support diagnoses and treatments.

Meet Jenna, Kelsey, Caitlin, and Katie, four of Nova Scotia Health’s MRT and learn more about how they are serving their communities.

The Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management Network is hosting the next offering of the Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program this Winter 2025. 

This PSP is designed to increase skill and confidence among primary care providers and teams for the care of patients with mild to moderate mental health concerns. This program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for 37.5 Mainpro+ credits.

Winter 2025 Dates: 

• Pre-module Meeting: January 8^th 1:00-2:30. 
• 4 Learning Sessions: January 15^th, February 26^th, April 9^th, and May 21^st.
• All sessions will run from 1:30 – 4:30pm.
• One scheduled coaching call (1 hour during the 20-week program).

To register click here.

A flyer is available here.

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Undergraduate Preceptor of the Year recipients!

• Dr. Daniel Bayard – HRM
• Dr. Sarah Conrad – Rural Halifax
• Dr. Raiche-Marsden – HRM
• Dr. Susan MacLeod – Cape Breton

Thank you for your dedication and exceptional mentorship in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals!

You can view the full list of award winners here.

The monthly newsletter is now available here.

This edition includes:

• Flourish Forum
• Occupational Therapy Month: Staff Spotlights
• Community outreach teams provide a collaborative approach to care and support
• Mindwell launches app, and more!

If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please e-mail Janelle.aucoin@nshealth.ca.

Dr. Karen McNeil and Dr. Jillian Achenbach lead the Adult Developmental Clinic and are currently accepting referrals.

Services provided include:

• Comprehensive health assessments, including a physician exam
• Support for transitioning from pediatric to adult care
• Assistance with behavioral issues, and more

For more information or to make a referral, please contact the clinic.

Date and Time: November 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting (Recording will be available on NSH Physician Portal)

This seminar is designed to provide an in-depth look at Nova Scotia Health’s physician recruitment strategy. Attendees will gain insights into the current landscape of physician recruitment, the innovative approaches being used to attract top talent, and the support systems in place to ensure physician satisfaction and retention. This event is ideal for Nova Scotian physicians, healthcare administrators, recruiters, medical professionals, and stakeholders interested in the future of healthcare in Nova Scotia.

More information and register here.

About the Speaker: Katrina Philopoulos, Director Physician Recruitment

Katrina plays a pivotal role in providing province-wide strategic leadership and operational coordination for physician recruitment. In this capacity, she oversees a dedicated team responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies, planning, and candidate sourcing. Her leadership also extends to collaboration with physician and operational leaders, fostering partnerships with communities and key stakeholders that are critical to the success of the physician recruitment program.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Katrina earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology before graduating from Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience as a Physiotherapist in both private and hospital settings laid the foundation for her transition into progressive leadership roles. Prior to entering the field of recruitment, she held the position of Provincial Manager for Occupational Health Safety and Wellness (OHSW) programming. Katrina is also a Certified Health Executive.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Katrina plays in the over-35 soccer league, where she has met and competed against other Nova Scotia Health colleagues in games and tournaments. She is also a devoted parent to three active children involved in sports. Their family is complete with Apollo, a German short-haired pointer, who ensures she gets out for daily outdoor walks.

Other upcoming presentation:

• Understanding Nova Scotia Health’s Medical By-Laws, Physician Complaints, and Disciplinary Process Presented by Jesse Joice (December 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

More information and register here.

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.