Turning the tide on Nova Scotia Health Care

By Danae Ingram

The Nova Scotia health care system has, like all parts of the world, had its challenges in working to bring services back to normal levels or better following the pandemic.

Loss of doctors, nurses, and support staff through burnout, retirements, attrition, lower enrolments in medical training, and even immigration restrictions for qualified personnel have meant long-delayed and even cancelled treatments and surgeries.

It’s a start

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is working in partnership with the provincial government in attempting to get a handle on this dire situation.

A few of the incentives bolster health care include attracting more highly-trained medical professionals to Nova Scotia’s urban and rural system, increasing diagnostic equipment availability at strategic clinics and hospitals, and implementing procedural and medical best practices that have been proven to work in other parts of the world.

There’s no question that the system wasn’t broken in a day or that it will need months and even years to revive it to full functioning again.

Doing our part

In the meantime, how do Nova Scotians take an active role in their own health care and become part of the solution?

Of course, begin by following the guidelines most health professionals espouse. It’s common sense for everyone to hydrate throughout the day, set ourselves up for a good night’s sleep, follow a healthy eating plan most of the time, manage our stress levels with exercise, meditation, and hobbies. Rebuilding a robust social life after the isolation of the pandemic is key to one’s mental health.

When illness or injury do occur, consider calling 811 for non-urgent medical advice before heading straight to the Emergency Department. Their registered nurse can give you tips and techniques to follow at home, and provide informed advice about whether you should proceed to the ER.

If you are advised to seek in-person care, prepare if you can. Along with your health card, take a bottle of water with you. Layer your clothing to keep yourself as comfortable as possible while you wait. If you have a list of symptoms or questions you want to ask about your care, write it down and take it with you so that you don’t forget to address an issue. Include an accounting of all the medications you take, including vitamins.

When a cold or flu gets you in its grip, stay home if at all possible while you’re still contagious to minimize spreading those germs to your coworkers, friends, and family members. It’s a good idea to take a COVID test to be sure it isn’t more than the seasonal flu. If you do have to go out, for medication as an example, protect others by wearing a mask.

Overcrowded waiting rooms, extended wait times in emergency departments and clinics, and delayed procedures or surgeries have compounded to create a broken system, and of course increased the likelihood of medical malpractice suits. The recent case of a young mother who died after waiting in an emergency room for over 7 hours was a tragic example of a worst case scenario. It shone a bright light on the seriousness of the need for immediate, strategic health care reform.

Residents who are concerned about the level of medical care available in their area might consider calling the office of their local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) to see what plans are in place to serve their communities going forward.

A complete listing of constituency offices can be found online. Nova Scotians who feel they may require legal advice about medical issues may contact Valent Legal for a consultation.

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