May 2024
- Jill Guinan
- May 24, 2024
- 11 min read
Improving Access to Healthcare
Building Up Healthcare
Our PC government is Building Up Healthcare through significant investments across Nova Scotia, including:
Building a new medical school at Cape Breton University that will train more doctors who will work in rural communities
Investing in Acadia University to establish a nursing program
Expanding pharmacy primary care clinics across the province, providing improved access to care
Attracting international healthcare workers and investing to help them settle and stay
Supporting CCAs who want to become LPNs or RNs by reducing financial barriers
Enhancing Diabetes Care in Nova Scotia
Releasing the YourHealthNS app, which helps you find and access more healthcare services, faster
Reducing Costs, Improving Diabetes Care
In February, our PC government is committed to supporting the health and well-being of all Nova Scotians. That's why we are investing an additional $7.2 million in diabetes care. This investment will benefit close to 4000 Nova Scotians, providing access to sensor-based glucose monitoring supplies, with an additional 450 Nova Scotians becoming eligible for the Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program.
First Provincial Autism Action Plan
Nova Scotians with autism and their families will see improved services and supports with the development of a new provincial autism action plan.
The action plan will:
describe and identify the current services, supports, interventions and programs for children, youth and adults on the autism spectrum and their families in Nova Scotia
identify current government strategies, action plans and initiatives that could be used to better support the current needs of Nova Scotians with autism and their families
identify gaps and make recommendations for supports and services within the public, private and community sectors.
The work will be led by the government in partnership with Autism Nova Scotia and will include input from people with autism and their families, educators, healthcare professionals and representatives from community organizations. Community engagement will begin this fall and the action plan is expected to be released next spring.
Details about the development of the plan and how to get involved will be available in the coming weeks at: https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/
New Wig Rebates for Cancer Patients
Nova Scotians being treated for cancer and dealing with hair loss can now get help with the cost of a wig through a one-time rebate of $300.
To be eligible for the program, people must:
be a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid health card
have a gross family income no greater than $35,000 per year
be enrolled in the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program
not have private insurance that covers the cost of a wig.
People can apply at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/cancer-assistance.asp
The government has made several cancer-care improvements recently, including:
launching a new lung screening program, as well as screening programs for colon, cervical and breast cancers
providing more funding for community oncology clinics, helping more people get the care they need closer to home
enhancing communication among oncology providers and patients, resulting in improved care, shorter wait times and better results
introducing a first-in-the-world Ethos radiotherapy system with HyperSight imaging, decreasing the average number of treatments to five from 20
a new 10-year partnership with Varian that will make Nova Scotians among the first in the world to access new oncology technology and innovative programs.
More Access, Improved Wait Times for MRIs
Four new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and a partnership with a medical imaging company will improve access and reduce wait times for patients.
Two MRI machines will be added to the system and two will be replaced:
a new machine purchased through donations to the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation will be in service at the hospital next month
two machines will be replaced as part of the QEII Halifax Infirmary expansion project, with the first delivered by the end of June and the second later in the year
the QEII Foundation, through donor support, has purchased a new relocatable MRI machine that can be moved to different facilities around the province; it is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada and will be operational at the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre by the end of July.
Nova Scotia Health will also enter into a five-year, $7.6-million agreement with Healthview Medical Imaging in Halifax to provide publicly funded MRI and ultrasound scans. There will be no cost to patients.
More Training Seats for Medical Laboratory Technicians
Nova Scotia continues to train more medical laboratory technologists, faster. These healthcare professionals are in high demand, and to help address this need, Nova Scotia Community College is increasing the number of seats in its training program to 60, up from 40, this September.
The increase at NSCC follows last year’s introduction of a second training program in the province – a hybrid program for up to 40 people through the Province’s partnership with the Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network.
So far, 18 students have completed their first year of training in the program, which has a mix of online and in-person learning. Additionally, 12 people who received medical laboratory technologist training internationally or elsewhere in Canada have completed Michener’s 16-week bridging program, which helps them get ready to work in Nova Scotia. Of those students, nine have passed their licensure exam and are qualified to work in the field in Nova Scotia.
Medical laboratory technologists perform laboratory testing and investigations related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Both NSCC and Michener graduates are able to work in any medical laboratory in the province once they become licensed.
Local Healthcare Access Points
The Medicine Shoppe Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic
Pharmacist-led clinics provide an extended suite of pharmacy primary care services at no charge to people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
These services include assessment and prescribing for:
Strep Throat
Pink Eye
UTIs
Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Asthma, COPD)
Prescription renewals for all medications and more
Publicly funded vaccines for adults and children are also available at these clinics as well as medical injections (fee may apply).
The Medicine Shoppe Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic 1B-664 Prince Street 902-814-2679
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Monday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Tuesday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Thursday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Saturday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
Sunday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
Lawton's Pharmacist Plus Clinic
The Pharmacist Plus Clinics are another way we're improving access to healthcare for all Nova Scotians.
The Truro Lawton's Pharmacist Plus Clinic is a walk-in clinic that has a nurse practitioner and pharmacists working as a team to provide a variety of health care services, from primary care to chronic disease prevention and management.
Services include:
Diagnosing and treating routine and more immediate health concerns
Prescribing medications and prescriptions renewals
Medication management or modifications
Chronic disease management
Health screening and preventative care
Ordering and interpreting tests
Vaccinations and injections
Making referrals to specialists and other health care providers
Lawton’s Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic + 316 Willow Street, Suite 20 902-896-0987
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Monday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Tuesday | 12:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Thursday | 12:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
YourHealthNS App
YourHealthNS is a new app to help you to navigate health information, book services and discover care options, easier and faster than ever before, right from your phone or computer.
YourHealthNS is available to Nova Scotians now, however, this is only the first release of the app and we will continue to add new features, functionalities, programs and more over the coming months.
In version 1.0 of the secure YourHealthNS app, you can:
Get free same-day care in a virtual appointment with a healthcare professional
Book blood tests, X-rays, flu shots and vaccines
Locate services and see wait times
Access information and resources on healthy living and wellness
Chat with a care navigator to identify the best services and most reliable information
More innovations, enhancements, tools and services are being added regularly. Keep checking back for updates on the app.
Primary Healthcare Team Drop-In
The Northern Zone Primary Healthcare Team will be at the Truro Farmer's Market on Saturday, May 25 from 8am to 1pm!
Visit a healthcare team to talk about:
Finding and using healthcare and social services
Joining programs and finding community help
Learning ways to improve your health and emotional well-being
What's Happening Across Nova Scotia
Burn Safe Daily Updates
Burning restrictions are updated at 2:00 pm daily. Burning is not allowed between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
During wildfire risk season (15 March to 15 October), no domestic brush burning or campfires are allowed between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, except industrial permits. Burn restrictions are updated daily at 2:00 pm (you also need to follow municipal bylaws for your area).
Please check Daily Updates, that can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
Mental Health Week, Supports for Nova Scotians
May 6 to 12 is Mental Health Week, which offers Nova Scotians a chance to reflect on their own mental health needs and the needs of loved ones.
Services and supports available to Nova Scotians include:
Access Wellness – provides a single session of counselling for individuals, couples or families dealing with mental health concerns, such as anxiety, job loss, grief, relationship issues and substance use. Counselling sessions can be online, by phone or in person in Sydney, Halifax, Kentville or New Glasgow. People do not need a diagnosis or a referral to use the service. Appointments can be booked by calling 1-833-691-2282 (toll-free).
Peer Support Phone Service – a toll-free, non-crisis service, available to all Nova Scotians 18 or older. It is staffed by trained peer supporters, who have personal or family-based lived experience with mental health, substance use and addictions. It is available at: 1-800-307-1686 (toll-free).
Kids Help Phone – a national helpline for young people between the ages of five and 20. Confidential and anonymous support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from trained counsellors and volunteer crisis responders. It is available by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or texting CONNECT to 686868.
Tranquility – an online cognitive behavioural therapy program for people 16 or older with depression and anxiety. The 12-week program was co-developed by clinical psychologists and people with lived experience and includes education, interactive tools and coaching. More information is available at: https://www.tranquility.app/novascotia
Nova Scotia Volunteer Firefighter and Ground Search and Rescue Program – provides dedicated mental health and wellness support to these volunteer first responders and their families. It is available at: 1-833-768-2183 (toll-free)
Recovery support centres – provide education, recovery and harm reduction support, along with one-on-one support and group treatment, for people struggling with substance use or gambling. In addition to on-site support, clinicians at the centre can link people to inpatient withdrawal management, opioid-use disorder treatment, community mental health and addictions programs and other supports available within communities. No appointment is necessary. Locations are at: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/recovery-support-centre
Marco MacLeod, MLA-Elect for Pictou West
May 21 was a very exciting night in Pictou county with the byelection in Pictou West.
A big congratulations to Marco MacLeod on your landslide win! Welcome to the team, Marco - I look forward to working with you.
Funding Available for Community Clean Energy Projects
Clean energy community projects focused on buildings, electricity and transportation can receive funding through the Low Carbon Communities program.
Low Carbon Communities funding can be used for community planning and designs, feasibility studies, education, public engagement and initiatives that help put low-carbon solutions in place. Some examples include:
energy audits, designs and deep retrofit plans for new or existing buildings
plans or studies for community solar, net-metered solar or energy storage
plans or studies for electric vehicle fleets or shared mobility services
workforce development and training or upskilling within the clean energy sector.
The program is open to Nova Scotia municipalities, First Nations bands and organizations, registered non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions and businesses with clean energy projects that benefit local communities.
Low Carbon Communities is a commitment in Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth. The plan aims to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all Nova Scotians. It includes initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, switch to clean energy and transportation, create a clean economy, make homes and buildings energy efficient and able to stand up to the impacts of climate change, and help Nova Scotians adapt to the changing climate.
More information on the Low Carbon Communities program: https://novascotia.ca/low-carbon-communities/
May in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
Free Community Swim at Scotia Pool
On Saturday, May 11, I was happy to support the Social Pool through a free public swim for community members. Stay tuned throughout the summer for more community events at Scotia Pool.
McHappy Day at McDonalds
It is always a pleasure to participate in McDonald's McHappy day, which was May 8. This annual event is such a great cause as it helps to raise critical funds which allow the Ronald McDonald House to continue providing support and accommodation, so that families can focus on what matters most: caring for their sick child.
Thank you to Stephanie and the fantastic staff at the Robie Street McDonald's for having me!
Truro Raceway Grandstand Renaming
Nova Scotians can now enjoy exhibitions, races and other events at the newly renovated and newly named Dr. Richard (Dick) Huggard Grandstand at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition grounds in Bible Hill.
The honouree, Dr. Huggard, graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1956. He worked at the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, serving farmers and the public for more than three decades, and ended his career as deputy minister of the Department. He was inducted into the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2015 and has also had a lasting impact through his support for 4-H over many years.
The grandstand renovations will improve accessibility, including a new wheelchair lift, accessible seating and washrooms. Updates were also made to the judges’ booth and public viewing areas, necessary mechanical, electrical, structural and architectural repairs were done, and other improvements made to meet fire safety requirements.
Construction Begins for McClures Mills Roundabout
Construction has begun on the future roundabout at McClures Mills Road and Willow Street. Please use caution, plan ahead, and consider alternate routes during construction.
Please be advised that the sidewalk on the southern side of McClures Mills Road is closed during this current phase of construction of the roundabout project at McClures Mills Road and Willow Street. For the safety of pedestrians, a sidewalk detour is being put in place.
Premier Houston Visits Truro
On May 13th, we were fortunate to have Premier Tim Houston in town to see some of the great things happening in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.
We visited the TAAC site along with Mayor Bill Mills, President of the TAAC Revitalization Committee Brian Wood, and project staff from the Town of Truro. The project is currently about 25% complete.
In 2022, the Town of Truro received $5.87 million in funding from the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada, through the Investing in Infrastructure Canada Fund for this project. The Town of Truro, the Municipality of the County of Colchester, and numerous citizens and local businesses are also providing funding for the project. This $8.6 million project will see the former TAAC Grounds split into two locations.
The first location, at the existing TAAC Grounds on Golf Street will see a refit of the current grounds with a multi-sport, all-weather field and synthetic 8-lane track, and a regulation throwing area. The second location, off Argus Drive, will see the baseball diamond relocated and upgraded to a senior-sized, championship-quality baseball field.
It was a pleasure to stop by the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce with Premier Tim Houston to meet with community stakeholders and businesses to listen and discuss housing needs and opportunities in our region.
Thank you chamber executive director Sherry Martell and the TCCC team for organizing and facilitating the discussion.
Thank you to Shelly DeViller at the Colchester Community Support Society/Colchester Food Bank for welcoming us to check out some of the fantastic programming they offer to our community.
Thank you to Shelly and the rest of the team for your hard work and continued dedication.
Also special thanks to the leadership team at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre for their hospitality. We made a visit to the newly renovated Dr. Richard (Dick) Huggard Grandstand at the Truro Raceway, had an update from the Nova Scotia Stampede organizers and a quick lunch at the Truro Golf Club speaking with members.
Colchester EDAs Fundraiser
The Truro and Colchester County Nova Scotia PC Party EDAs hosted a Fundraising Dinner on May 13.
Attendees included the Honorable Premier Tim Houston, MLA Larry Harrison, MLA Dave Ritcey, MLA Tom Taggart, MLA Tory Rushton, MLA Pat Dunn, MLA John A MacDonald, MP Dr. Stephen Ellis, along with local dignitaries and special guests.
The event was highlighted by Premier Tim Houston addressing the sold out crowd at the Royal Canadian Legion in Truro. The event also featured a 50/50 draw and Live Auction with former MLA, the Honorable Alfie Macleod as our Auctioneer.
Thank you to all of our EDA members who volunteered and assisted in any way with making this event such an overwhelming success! Special thanks to Vera-Faye Smith and Roseanne MacIsaac for your hard work and to the incredible staff at the Legion for your hospitality and the delicious turkey dinners.
As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. If you know of anyone who would be interested in receiving future editions of this newsletter, please contact the constituency office at mlaritcey@bellaliant.com or 902-897-0884.
This newsletter is also available on my new website http://www.daveritcey.ca
I encourage everyone to check it out - we would love to hear your feedback!
Sincerely,
MLA Dave Ritcey
Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
