Physician Newsletter - Feb 13, 2025

New Security Measures for Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department

New security measures are coming to the QEII Halifax Infirmary emergency department to keep patients, families and care providers safer.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 14, anyone entering the emergency department’s main entrance (Bell Road) will be required to go through a metal detector and may be searched. Anything found to be a weapon – or objects that could be used as a weapon – will be confiscated.

Learn more here.

Need Locum Coverage for Your Vacation?

Are you a physician planning some well-deserved time off?

If you already have vacation booked and need locum coverage, now is the perfect time to visit our new Locum Support webpage: nshdocs.morethanmedicine.ca/locum-support.

Simply fill out the form, and our Locum Recruitment Consultant, Liz Fraser, will create a posting on your behalf to share with potential candidates—including graduating residents who may be looking for locum opportunities before starting their own practices.

Have questions? Reach out to Liz, Physician Recruitment Consultant, at locumsupport@nshealth.ca for more information.

Dr. Nicholas Buckler Recognized for Excellence in Family Medicine

Dr. Nicholas (Nick) Buckler received the Newfoundland College of Family Physicians’ Family Medicine Resident Award for being an exceptional advocate for his patients, as well as a kind, professional, and compassionate resident.

Dr. Buckler completed medical school at Dalhousie University before moving to Newfoundland for his family medicine residency. He also completed a year of training in the town of Burin in Newfoundland and was awarded the Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland (PARNL) Excellence in Rural Community Medicine Award.

Dr. Buckler is now back in Nova Scotia, practicing in Lunenburg, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our medical community. Congratulations Dr. Buckler!

Transforming Healthcare Efficiency with Technology

Manav Dave is enhancing healthcare efficiency in Nova Scotia. As primary healthcare coordinator working as a practice facilitator in NS Health's Eastern Zone, he optimizes workflows and technology to support healthcare providers.

Collaborating with Dr. Kingston Memorial’s primary healthcare team, he helped identify clinic challenges and implement solutions. One of his key contributions was developing a three-step tracking system for social prescription referrals, enabling providers to record data in just three clicks and track patient engagement more effectively.

Josie Robinson, the centre’s community engagement and public relations manager, described the impact of his work. "Before, we were lost in a web of unorganized data. But Manav helped untangle it in a very short time."

Learn more about Manav and the Practice Support Program here. If your clinic could benefit from this program, please contact PHCPracticeSupport@NSHealth.ca.

New eServices (eReferral) Bulletin

The Nova Scotia eServices Program has created a new eServices Bulletin to provide information and updates on the ongoing use and expansion of electronic referrals.

Check out the first issue - eServices Bulletin - February 2025.

Long-term Lane Closure on Robie Street for QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project

We would like to inform you that the easternmost, northbound lane of Robie Street, between Jubilee Road and Bell Road, will be closed for the remainder of the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project.

Effective Date: February 18, 2025
Affected Area: Easternmost northbound lane of Robie Street, between Jubilee Road and Bell Road

Vehicles: One northbound lane on Robie Street will be closed for the duration of the project, leaving two lanes open. Expect possible delays due to the lane reduction. Additionally, there will be a temporary lane closure on Robie Street between Cherry Street and Bell Road from February 18 to March 3.

Pedestrian: Northbound sidewalk access on Robie Street will be closed. Pedestrians are advised to follow posted signage and use designated crosswalks for safe passage.

Transit: Northbound Robie Street transit stops #8179 and #8223 will continue to be closed for the duration of the project. For more information on Halifax Transit routes and schedules click here.

This lane closure is necessary to support ongoing construction activities for the new acute care tower. Traffic control personnel will be onsite, and detour signage will be in place to guide alternate routes.

Staff are reminded to use the entrances at the Abbie J. Lane Building, the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial, or the staff entrance adjacent to the Summer Street entrance for access to the Halifax Infirmary. These entrances ensure safe and secure access to the hospital.

Communication will also be shared publicly with our patients, families and visitors. We encourage clinics to update your patient letters and notification reminding patients to allow for more time to navigate our campus during construction.

This change will help facilitate the redevelopment of the facility, which will enhance the care we can provide to our community.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to create a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare environment for Nova Scotians.

Staff and physicians can view a map showing the northbound Robie Street closure below. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your leadership team at czleaders@nshealth.ca or QEII.Redevelopment@nshealth.ca.

Thank you for your continued support of the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project.

This month from LifeSpeak: Your Heart's Health

This month's ask the expert is Coping with Loss, Loneliness, and Heartbreak, with Jessi Leader, MA, LMFT, Relationship & Sex Therapist on Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

This month's featured resources include:

If you have not yet checked out the LifeSpeak platform, head here (Access ID: lifespeak).

Read the full newsletter here.