Changes to Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy & Administration Care Directive

The Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy and NSH/IWK Immunization Administration Care Directive have recently undergone comprehensive reviews by Public Health, Interprofessional Practice and Learning, Policy Office, Pharmacy, Pathology, Laboratory Services and Occupational Health Safety and Wellness. The review has prompted several updates and clarifications, which have been made and further reviewed by interested parties throughout the organization. These changes are minor and will not significantly change immunization practice.

If you are an immunizer, please review the updated policy and adjust your practice accordingly. Review the highlights of the changes here.

​As of Oct. 16, Directory Update and Directory Search services will be decommissioned. Contact information will begin to flow from our human resource system (SAP) as our system of record.

What is changing?:

Currently NS Health staff can use the directory search to update their contact information by visiting Nova Scotia Health Intranet and selecting Directory Search, under the Edit My Info tab; and for IWK Health, by visiting the Pulse, quick links tab, under employee resources, Directory Update.

As of October 16, 2024, these services will no longer be available. See the full update here.

~shared on behalf of the Emerging and Re-emerging Infections Network (ERIN)

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine appointments:

Nova Scotians can now book appointments for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Nova Scotians can get vaccination from participating family doctors, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses, pharmacies, public health offices and mobile units. Options for booking an appointment include:

• online at NS Vaccine Booking Page - CANImmunize
• through the YOURHealthNS app
• by calling 1-833-797-7772
• by calling their primary care provider

This year family booking is available, which allows someone to book up to six people for a single appointment. More information regarding this announcement can be found HERE.

Respiratory Virus Testing and Rapid Antigen Test Kits:

This fall Nova Scotia Health’s testing strategy for acute viral respiratory infections has changed to ensure those at highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization have access to medication. Criteria for testing can be found at COVID-19 and Flu Testing | Nova Scotia Health (nshealth.ca). To be eligible for COVID-19 treatment assessment Nova Scotians must report their positive rapid test via Report and Support or by calling 1-833-797-777. tested at a testing center, report and support will be completed at time of registration and assessment for therapeutics will be done automatically for those who are found to have COVID-19 once the result is available.

COVID-19 rapid antigen tests remain available for clients accessing NS health clinics and for providing NSHA/IWK healthcare workers access to rapid antigen testing for at-home symptomatic testing.

********New supply is available******

All COVID-19 rapid tests being ordered within NS Health should be ordered through SAP. Supply Chain may limit quantities and substitute between products. Please note that the test kits currently being distributed are Swift Swab (boxes of 2 tests) SAP #266932 (this brand may be substituted for other rapid test brands/products).  A memo to be distributed to all ordering team can be found on the ERIN HUB.

If you have questions, regarding these changes, you can reach out to the Emerging and Re-emerging Infections Network at ERINnetwork@nshealth.ca 

The government will provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of ongoing efforts to expand recruitment and retention initiatives in Nova Scotia.

The support is through annual contributions that doctors put toward their retirement savings. The Province’s contributions will be based on doctors’ years of service, full- or part-time status, and the amount they contribute to their preferred retirement savings option. Learn more here.

Nova Scotia Health and IWK recently welcomed 10 new anesthesiologists to enhance patient care in the region. These specialists are essential for ensuring safe surgical experiences, effective pain management, and high-quality critical care, playing a crucial role in our healthcare system. Among the new additions is Dr. Oliver “Ollie” Poole, who specializes in cardiac anesthesia and critical care.

Dr. Poole didn’t always plan on a career in medicine. "Growing up, my dream was to be a musician," he said. With classical training in piano, trumpet and voice, he imagined a life built around music. However, over time, he decided he didn’t want the joy of music to become overshadowed by the pressure of paying the bills. “My parents were pretty shocked when I told them I wanted to be a doctor. I used to skip science class to go play piano.”

Learn more about Dr. Poole here.

The Transitioning in Practice, Transitioning Out of Practice (TIP-TOP) program, part of Nova Scotia Health’s Action for Health plan, is transforming how family physicians transition their patient care while retiring.

Dr. Michelle Dow, an experienced family physician at the Clare Health Center in Meteghan Centre, and the former MD Recruitment and Retention Lead for the Western Zone, shares how the TIP-TOP program helped her smoothly transition out of practice while ensuring a seamless transfer of care for her patients. 

The TIP-TOP program helps physicians transition in and out of practice by allowing an overlap between retiring doctors and those starting their careers, ensuring continuity of care for patients, and a smooth transition process for both physicians. 



By connecting experienced physicians with new or incoming doctors, the program reduces the number of patients left without a doctor and provides mentorship for the next generation of healthcare providers. 

Learn more about TIP-TOP, Dr. Dow and her successor Dr. Emma Leon here.

Medical Affairs is offering 16 Central Zone physician leaders a customized program featuring the world-class Leadership Circle Profile™ (LCP). This program is open to current physician leaders or those preparing for leadership roles, who haven’t previously participated in leadership development education. 

2025 Dates & Time Commitment

• Jan 28 – Kickoff (In-person, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
• Feb 11, 25; Mar 18; Apr 1, 15, 29; May 13, 27 (Virtual, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
• June 3 – Completion (In-person, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm)

Approx. 30 hours total, including assessments, in-person kickoff, virtual sessions, and a final in-person session. Dinner included at in-person events!

Why Join?

•  Improve your leadership effectiveness
• Respond to system challenges
• Actively learn with colleagues across the zone
• Improve the quality of patient care • Understand your leadership impact, strengths and gaps 

 Format Highlights:

• Blend of in-person and virtual sessions
• 360 assessment with a certified Executive Coach
• Group coaching and personalized learning opportunities

Interested?

Register here (Application deadline extended until October 29). Learn more here.

Nova Scotia Health's System Accountability Framework poster and presentation won Best Poster at the North American Conference on Integrated Care (NACIC24). Huge congratulations to our incredible leaders—Tanya Penney (Senior Executive Director, Emergency Care Priorities), Kate Melvin (Senior Director, Integrated Acute & Episodic Care Network), and Dr. Paige Moorhouse (Senior Director Medical, Integrated Acute & Episodic Care Network)! Most importantly, it’s making a meaningful difference for Nova Scotians. Kate and Tanya are pictured with the award.

Our Medical Affairs team is growing. This section will introduce the Medical Affairs team members so that physicians can see the many people contributing to a better organization for you.

Meet Kenneth MacIntyre, Talent Acquisition Specialists on the Physician Recruitment Team

Born and raised in Sydney Mines, NS, Ken now resides in Kentville, NS, with his fiancé Clarissa, their dog Turker, and two cats. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management from NSCC.

Early in his HR career, Ken discovered his passion for recruitment and has spent the past six-plus years working in recruitment-specific roles.

In his spare time, Ken enjoys playing softball, exploring new walking spots with his dog, and indulging in cinnamon rolls, coffee, and good conversation.

The recording of Physician Resources Process Overview presented by Grayson Fulmer, Senior Director of Medical Affairs, is now available. This seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the processes used to support physician resource requests at NSH. Ideal for healthcare professionals, medical students, and administrators, this event aims to foster understanding and collaboration in improving healthcare delivery in the province.

The slides are also available 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.

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