Watch here for the latest information and updates on new and updated Perioperative related policies and others under review and development.
It is important that Perioperative (Surgical) Services team members familiarize themselves with relevant policies and their roles in supporting quality, safe, and efficient care and service.
New and Updated:
Malignant Hyperthermia Policy (SS-PACU-005) - Effective May 6/24
This policy applies to all Nova Scotia Health sites and outlines responsibilities associated with preparing for and managing malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptible patients and patients who encounter an MH crisis. The policy consolidates practices and outlines procedures to support consistency.
Epidural Analgesia & Catheter Removal Policy (SS-PM-001) - Effective March 1/24
This policy applies to all sites providing epidurals for post-surgical ( non-obstetrical) acute pain management. It provides direction for the nursing care and management of patients with epidural pain management, including epidural management, monitoring and catheter removal. This policy also guides a consistent, provincial approach to managing the supply and maintenance of Local Anesthesia Systemic Toxicity (LAST) Kit medications.
Surgical Counts Policy (SS-OR-010) - Effective July 11 /23
Nova Scotia Health’s revised Surgical Counts Policy applies to procedures carried out in operating rooms and procedure rooms and outlines the critical steps that must be taken to prevent the unintended retention of medical instruments and sponges. The biggest change in this version of the policy is the requirement for an x-ray to be ordered in the event of a count discrepancy, and for Radiology to report the results directly to the attending surgeon before the patient leaves the operating room or procedure room.
Surgical Safety Checklist (SS-OR-001) - Effective June 1 / 23
Provides direction and promotes consistency in use of a Surgical Safety Checklist. The Surgical Safety Checklist is designed to assist surgical teams to reduce the number of preventable surgical complications, further improving surgical outcomes for patients. Use of an approved Safe Surgical Checklist is a requirement for Accreditation. It includes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Safe Surgical Checklist (2009) and allows for additional items to be added.
Operating Room Dress Code Policy & Procedure (SS-OR-015) - Effective Jan. 7/19
This policy took the place of multiple policies that existed under the former district health authorities. The policy recognizes where we might reasonably expect microorganisms to be found and transmitted, and finds ways to minimize exposure. For example, it highlights expectations related to things such as: use of name tags, jewelry, nail hygiene, clothing/protective equipment to be worn in ORs, wearing scrubs etc. outside OR, personal effects permitted in the OR, laundering of OR attire, and more.
Related resources: Dress Code Poster, Dress Code Highlights
Under Review and Development:
Watch for updates on policies and procedures under development.
Anesthesia Technician Policy under development - A new provincial policy on the role and scope for anesthesia technicians will be coming to support the expansion of this role across the province. The working group started meeting in early February to begin this work. Anesthesia quality leads and physicians are represented on this working group.
Questions or feedback:
Questions or feedback related to Perioperative policy development can be directed to:
- Sara.Bates@nshealth.ca, Senior Analyst, Policy and Planning, Perioperative (Surgical) Services Network
