Code Silver And Active Shooter Changes
We are under 4 weeks until the implementation of the revised Code Silver-Person with a Weapon plan, and the implementation of the new Active Shooter plan for all of Nova Scotia Health.
In the leadup to the go-live date for both of these plans, March 31, 2025, Emergency Preparedness will continue providing virtual education sessions; available to all staff and physicians with Nova Scotia Health domains (email addresses). To register, go to the Emergency Preparedness education page.
For those programs with volunteers, learners or others that do not have access to a Nova Scotia Health domain, or, for those sites, departments, and programs that are interested in other means of education sessions, please reach out to your Emergency Preparedness team.
Click here for a pamphlet that can be printed and shared for familiarization on the upcoming changes to these plans.
Reminder: Measles on the Rise
There continues to be a substantial increase in global measles cases. While the risk of ongoing community transmission remains low in Nova Scotia, Canada anticipates an increase in measles cases and continuous outbreaks, many of which are associated with travel to countries where measles is prevalent.
Dr. Ryan Sommers, Senior Regional Medical Officer of Health and Senior Medical Director Population and Public Health, Nova Scotia Health, sent an MOH Bulletin on February 27, 2025 with guidance for healthcare providers on Measles. You can read the detailed bulletin here.
Optimizing Access and Efficiency in Ambulatory Specialty Care Services
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.
Complete the survey here.
Leading with Purpose: Coaching Strategies for Physician Leaders
The latest episode of Coaching Physicians: A Prescription for Leadership is here! Join hosts Lorie Campbell and Verna MacDonald as they dive into the art of effective leadership coaching and the strategies that drive real impact in healthcare.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Two key skills to master coaching as a leadership style.
- The three best questions to stimulate thinking, understand motivations, and inspire new perspectives.
- A simple framework to structure your conversations and move people to action.
Whether you're a seasoned physician leader or just starting your leadership journey, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you lead with confidence.
Listen to episode here: Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts. Stay tuned for new episodes released every two weeks!
Learn more about Leadership Development Coaching here.
World Delirium Awareness Day is March 12
Delirium is a significant threat to Nova Scotians’ independence and quality of life. More than 1 in 5 Nova Scotians in hospital screen positive for delirium on any given day.
Delirium is associated with accelerated cognitive and functional decline, increased rates of nursing home placement and mortality as well as longer hospital stays. Delirium can be a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, and early diagnoses and treatment offer the best chance of recovery. Delirium is largely under-recognized and under-managed.
To shine a light on this important issue, volunteers are conducting delirium assessments on patients at select hospitals across the province from March 3 - 7. This is the first year all zones are participating in this annual event coordinated by the Frailty and Elder Care Network.
Learn more about how to recognize delirium here.
Read the full newsletter here.
