December 2023

Improving Access to Healthcare

New Approach to Hiring Travel Nurses

A change to how the Province employs travel nurses will help create more stability in healthcare and long-term care in Nova Scotia.

On December 4, Premier Tim Houston announced that travel nurses working for Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health or a government-funded long-term care facility can only be hired for a maximum 180 days.

“Travel nurses have been a critical part of maintaining our healthcare system while we work to train and hire more nurses. But the associated costs are much higher and there is always the risk of them leaving, creating instability in the system,” said Premier Houston. “There will always be nurses who want to travel, but the change we are making today will encourage more to take on permanent positions where they are needed most. I’m calling on premiers across the country to consider doing the same.”

Effective December 15, the change applies to all government contracts for travel nurses. They must wait one year before they can be assigned to work as a travel nurse for these institutions again. They may choose to take a permanent assignment in Nova Scotia or continue to work as a travel nurse in another province.

Nurses graduating from post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia cannot work as travel nurses in the province for one year following graduation.

Quick Facts:

• A travel nurse is any nurse who works in Nova Scotia under a government contract with a staffing agency, travel nurse agency or organization that supplies nurses on a contract basis

• there are more than 350 travel nurses working Nova Scotia at any given time

Electronic Referral System Expands to Include MRIs & Ultrasounds

More patients will see better communication around referrals with the addition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound tests to the e-referral system.

Patients who provide an email address receive automatic notifications when the referral is sent, when an appointment is booked and if the referral is updated. The referring provider also receives the notifications.

This system provides better tracking, review and co-ordination of referrals. Patients still choose where they receive care and receive better information on the status of their referral.

Quick Facts:

• primary care providers with surgical consult requests send them electronically to a central intake office or specific surgeon

• almost 900 MRI e-referrals have been received since September

Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8 Launches

Nova Scotians thinking about attempting suicide or worried about someone else who may be thinking about suicide now have another place to turn to for help.

The new 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline provides urgent, live, trauma-informed support by phone and text 24 hours a day, every day of the year. As of November 30, it is available in every province and territory in Canada.

The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, available across the country, is funded by the Government of Canada, managed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto and delivered through mental health partners in provinces and territories.

Staff from Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health and the Office of Addictions and Mental Health have been active participants in the planning and launch of 9-8-8.

People who call or text 9-8-8 can communicate with trained crisis responders in either English or French. The new line will also help streamline access to other national resources. For example:

• through 9-8-8, Indigenous people will also be able to access the Hope for Wellness Helpline, which provides immediate, non-judgmental, culturally competent and trauma-informed emotional support, crisis intervention or referrals to community-based services

• children and young adults in Canada in need of mental health supports and crisis services will also be able to connect with Kids Help Phone.
  

Nova Scotians can continue to access the provincial mental health and addictions crisis line toll-free at 1-888-429-8167, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for themselves or someone they are concerned about. The provincial crisis line connects Nova Scotians to trained clinicians and is available to anyone across the province. The 9-8-8 service is intended to provide an additional, three-digit option.

New Mobile App Provides Better Access to Care & Information

Healthcare services, resources, and information are now a tap away with a new mobile app that connects Nova Scotians with care.

YourHealthNS helps Nova Scotians better navigate the healthcare system – it is a one-stop shop to book services, navigate care, and find information easier and faster.

Key features of this first-of-its-kind app for Nova Scotia include:

• a home screen that can be personalized with information most important to the individual

• the ability to book blood tests, X-rays, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccine appointments

• a search tool to find the nearest health services

• predicted emergency department wait times

• access to vaccination records

• access to free, same-day virtual care

• the option to chat with a care navigator to help find the best service or information needed and, if appropriate, direct people to a virtual care visit.
  

Accessing virtual care has also become easier for Nova Scotians. People on the Need a Family Practice Registry can receive comprehensive care from Nova Scotian healthcare providers who can order diagnostic tests and provide referrals to specialists. Those on the registry will also have access to general consults and prescription refills 24/7, 365 days a year through a partnership with Maple, one of Canada’s leading virtual-care platforms.

Nova Scotians who are attached to a primary care provider will also have access to virtual care, which will include general consults and prescription refills. The Province will cover two visits per year.

Nova Scotians without a mobile device can access YourHealthNS online at: https://www.yourhealthns.ca/

Local Access to Healthcare

Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic

This pharmacist-led clinic provides 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).

Our local Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic is operated through:

The Medicine Shoppe at 1B-664 Prince Street, Truro, 902-814-2679.

Lawtons Pharmacist Plus Clinic

The Pharmacist Plus Clinics are another way we're improving access to healthcare for all Nova Scotians.

The Truro Lawtons 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

The Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic+ is located at:

Lawtons, 316 Willow Street, Suite 20, Truro.

They can be reached at 902-896-0987. Hours of Operation are:

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

Provincial Funding & Opportunities

Town of Truro Leads Clean Energy Project

Nova Scotia communities are cutting greenhouse gas emissions with funding for clean energy projects under the Low Carbon Communities program.

The Town of Truro will receive $75,000 for their GHG Emission Study & Local Action Plan to take action against climate change & reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.

Funding from the Low Carbon Communities program can be used for clean energy feasibility studies, designs, strategies and planning, education, engagement and initiatives that demonstrate positive and innovative low carbon solutions in Nova Scotian communities.

The program is open to municipalities, Mi’kmaw communities and organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a goal in Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia's Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth. The plan will help create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all Nova Scotians by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, switching to clean energy, creating a clean economy, making homes and buildings energy efficient and able to stand up to the impacts of climate change, and helping Nova Scotians adapt to the changing climate.

Community Infrastructure Grant Programs

Do you have a community or recreation facility needing repairs or accessibility improvements?

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH) Community Infrastructure Programs are now accepting applications to help pay for upgrades to community-use buildings, rinks and more. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2024.

Community Facilities Improvement Program

Community ACCESS-Ability Program

Recreation Facility Development Grant

Student Summer Skills Incentive

The Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) offers wage assistance to non-profit organizations that hire post-secondary students for summer jobs.

SKILL helps registered non-profits, charities and social enterprises offer summer jobs to post-secondary students.

Eligible employers can hire students for terms of 8-14 weeks in the summer. You’ll receive a subsidy of $10.50 per hour ($11.50 if the student is a member of designated diversity group) for the wages you pay to your student employees. Students must work at least 240 hours during their work term. The program will reimburse up to 525 hours.

Organizations can apply for the subsidy if they:

• are a not-for-profit organization registered as a charity or active society with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies

• plan to hire a university or college student for 8-14 weeks between April and August

• pay their summer student-employee minimum wage or more (plus vacation pay) for full-time work (at least 240 hours during their work term)

• aren’t receiving funding from any other government employment program for the same position
  

Applications will be accepted between December 15, 2023 and January 31, 2024. More information on the program including how to apply can be found here.

December in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River

Truro Santa Claus Parade

It was so great to have the Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston join us for this year’s Downtown Truro Santa Claus Parade!

Thank you to the Downtown Truro partnership and all the organizations that participated in such an amazing celebration for the families in our community.

Door Knocking

Going door-to-door is an important, on-going initiative as it enables me to speak directly to residents within the constituency about the current issues that matter most to them.

I sincerely value the feedback I receive while talking to folks at their doorsteps and I thank all residents who have taken the time to chat and provide their input.

Nova Scotia Police Long Service Awards 2023

Police officers across Nova Scotia go above and beyond to keep our province safe and secure.

Congratulations to the more than 50 Nova Scotians with 15 and 25 years of consecutive service who were honoured at the 2023 Nova Scotia Police Long Service Awards, including members of our Truro Police Service.

World Junior A Challenge Returns to Truro

The World Junior A Hockey Challenge returned to Truro for the first time since 2017! Not only does this event bring international hockey back to town, but it also showcases the next crop of hockey stars and standouts.

This year’s tournament featured teams from Canada East, Canada West, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States. The tournament began December 10 at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.

Congratulations to team Canada West on taking home the Gold!

I was honored to have met former Boston Bruins and current National Slovakian General Manager Miroslav Šatan. His son is playing for Team Slovakia at the World Junior A Challenge.

Satan played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), five in the Tipos Extraliga, and three in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Šatan was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2019.

Truro Area to Proudly Host Inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede

The vibrant spirit of Truro and surrounding area is set to shine as we prepare to host the first-ever Nova Scotia Stampede next Fall.

This premiere event and family-friendly festival will merge local charm with the spectacle of professional Rodeo. An array of live musical performances and delicious home-grown food will further enrich the experience.

This landmark event on the Maritime calendar is expected to provide an economic boost of $6 to 8 million to the local region.

Our region's history and the enduring spirit of our agricultural community are fundamental to our identity. The Nova Scotia Stampede is not just a celebration; it's a vivid showcase of our legacy and a nod to our future.

The event will be set against the backdrop of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex and the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, among other venues and stands as a collaborative effort involving the Province of Nova Scotia, the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, the Department of Agriculture, 4-H Nova Scotia, Rawhide Entertainment, and the Central NS Civic Centre Society Ltd.

Colchester Food Bank Deliveries

Mike MacDonald and I have been busy this month volunteering with the Colchester Food Bank, helping to deliver Christmas boxes to local families in need.

Thank you to Shelly DeViller for your continuous hard work in supporting the residents of Colchester, now and throughout the year.

(Left to Right: Volunteers Jordan Lauther and Dylan Scammell, Colchester Food Bank Executive Director Shelly DeViller and MLA Ritcey packing boxes for delivery)

United Way of Colchester Elves for Elders

Each year, as a family we look forward to delivering gifts, in support of the United Way of Colchester County's annual Elves for Elders gift drop.

Thank you to Sarah McCurdy, Executive Director of United Way of Colchester, as well the board, community partners and members for all that you do for our community.

PC Caucus Christmas Party

It is truly my honor to serve as the Caucus Chair for the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia. This role enables me to have a personal and unique relationship with all members of our caucus, including the Premier.

Introducing Premier Tim Houston at events such as the Christmas Social and the Provincial AGM remains a privilege that I am so grateful for.

Local PC Association Christmas Social

On December 18 at the Blunt Bartender, the Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River PC Association hosted our annual Christmas Social.

Thank you to all of the members who joined us for a very festive evening and for your continued support.

I would also like to thank the team at our constituency office for their continued dedication, support and guidance for the community members of Truro, Bible Hill, Millbrook and Salmon River.

As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. If you are aware of anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please reach out to the constituency office at mlaritcey@bellaliant.com or 902-897-0884.

From my family to yours, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

MLA Dave Ritcey

Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River