One Year in System Accountability 🚑
~shared on behalf of Karen Oldfield, Interim President and CEO, and Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice-President - Medicine and Clinical Operations
It’s been a little over a year since we launched the System Accountability Framework to support and strengthen Nova Scotia Health’s collaboration with our internal teams and our system partners, like EHS, long-term care providers, and other community organizations. System overcrowding is not an Emergency Department issue; we are focused on the flow of the entire health system.
By clearly defining accountability zones along with the associated roles, responsibilities, and processes, the framework clarifies who is responsible for specific access barriers, identifies processes to support patients as they transition through each accountability zone, and outlines service expectations. Our objective is to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time and by the right provider, to achieve the best access and outcomes for patients. By improving process clarity and associated accountabilities, we will unlock a better coordinated and integrated system that, ultimately, reduces delays in patient care.
The urgency to address ambulance offload delays was heightened by an Auditor General's report, while the No Patient Left Behind report laid the foundation for developing an innovative, system-wide framework.
In the 12 months since launching, we’re seeing significant strides in progress – through wait times, offload times and new ways to receive care in Emergency Departments. Each zone of accountability is contributing to these improvements.
Thank you for your leadership, innovative thinking, and dedication to transforming healthcare.
Read on for highlights in One Year in System Accountability.
Update on the Compass for Physicians
It’s been a little over a week since we launched the Compass, and we’re so grateful for the feedback from physicians. Your insights have already led to immediate improvements to the homepage, making it even easier to navigate. For those who might have missed previous updates, you can head here to see the exciting changes and how they will benefit clinical staff in finding the resources they need swiftly.
We’ve been carefully listening to your feedback and common questions, and we're excited to provide some clarification on a few key points:
Signing into the Compass:
We understand that shared computer usage is challenging for many team members due to the frequency of logins. The Compass – hosted on SharePoint Online – uses the standard login service for computers, email, and other services. Rest assured, we're actively collaborating with our partners at the Department of Cybersecurity and Digital Services (CSDS) to explore options that enhance ease of access while maintaining security and privacy.
Finding the Compass on your computer:
We know some of you are having trouble locating the Compass. Currently, opening a browser or a new tab will lead you directly to the Compass. We recommend using the Edge Browser for optimal experience. Additionally, there is a shortcut on all corporate phones that takes you straight to the site. If you want to head to the Compass from your personal device and need the URL, copy and paste it from here: https://novascotia.sharepoint.com/sites/Health-TheCompass.
On-Call Schedule:
To our colleagues in the Eastern Zone, we hear your concerns about the on-call tool. We've created an alternative option and a prototype that we're testing, thanks to your invaluable feedback. We're also exploring long-term solutions for the whole organization. We genuinely appreciate your contributions and ideas that help us understand better what is needed.
Thank you for your continued feedback and support. Together, we’re making the Compass an even more useful and user-friendly tool for everyone.
Updated Measles Guidelines
The Measles vaccines chapter of the Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG) has been updated. This chapter was updated based on a statement from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Updated recommendations on measles post-exposure prophylaxis (summary published on February 13, 2025). For further details, please refer to the table of updates.
Measles Guidelines located on the ERIN HUB is being updated regularly as part of system wide preparedness. Please refer to this chapter if you are looking for information regarding screening, testing, order sets, vaccines and immunizations, IPAC and OHSW guidance and treatment.
OPOR Hub – New Resources!
Every week, new content and resources are added to the OPOR Hub (must be on the IWK Health or Nova Scotia Health network to access). If you are looking for more information on OPOR, this is the place! For anyone involved in Transition Teams or Manager Forums, this is also where you will find meeting materials.
Highlights:
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.
Turning Practice Challenges into Practical Solutions
"This was the only reason I stayed.”
When Dr. Mahsa Ghoreishi was on the verge of closing her clinic, support from Practice Consultant Jerry Ji helped her find a better way forward without compromising her values or her patients. Discover how Practice Support can help Primary Health Care teams reclaim time, reduce stress, and build more sustainable practices — and find out how to connect with Jerry to get started in your own practice.
Learn more here. Pictured is Jerry Ji, Practice Consultant.
Read the full newsletter here.
