Confirmed Measles Case in Central Zone
Earlier this week, Dr. Catherine Brown, Central Zone Regional Medical Officer of Health with Nova Scotia Health Public Health, shared a memo regarding a travel-related, laboratory-confirmed case of measles in the Central Zone. The individual had recently traveled to the United States, to a region not currently experiencing an active measles outbreak. They have received care and are now recovering at home. You can find the full memo here.
For information on measles screening, testing, vaccines, and Occupational Health guidance, please visit the ERIN HUB. If you have questions about available resources or guidance related to measles, contact ERINNetwork@nshealth.ca.
Masking Guidance at Nova Scotia Health
The Emerging and Re-emerging Infections Network (ERIN) continues to monitor viral respiratory activity, including COVID-19, Influenza A and B and RSV within hospitalized patients and the broader community. Thanks to the efforts of our staff, Nova Scotia Health can confidently adjust our masking requirements as per the Enhanced Masking Policy.
Effective May 9, masking will no longer be required within clinical areas of Nova Scotia Health facilities. Masking requirements during clinical interactions will be based on a Point of Care Risk Assessment or if deemed required by specific programs/services. Anyone who is symptomatic must don a mask to enter a facility. Signage will continue to be posted at entrances.
Those supporting patients at the highest risk of severe outcomes of infection may choose to require masking. Signage and masks should be placed in a visible location for patients and visitors upon entry to the unit.
The Nova Scotia Health Respiratory Virus Safety Plan and Masking Guidance has been updated for spring and summer 2025 to reflect these changes.
The epidemiology of respiratory viruses in the general population and in Nova Scotia Health facilities will continue to be monitored as we move into the fall months. Further adjustments to masking will be made in response to local epidemiology, which may include a return to universal masking during future seasons of increased viral respiratory activity.
Health care workers seeking additional advice and guidance can access communicable disease guidance on the Occupational Health Safety & Wellness Compass site.
If you have questions, regarding these changes, reach out to the Emerging & Re-emerging Infections Network at ERINnetwork@nshealth.ca. This memo and additional masking guidance can be found on the ERIN HUB in Safety Plan and Masking Guidance.
Electronic Referrals for Gastroenterology Have Been Live for One Week!
We are pleased to share that we continue to see increased activity in the eReferral tool since the gastroenterology launch on May 1, 2025. Thank you for your support, questions, and feedback—your engagement has been key to this successful launch and ongoing improvements.
This milestone is an important step toward improving access, quality, and consistency of gastroenterology care, including endoscopy care. This supports the priorities of the Endoscopy Services Operations Council and Nova Scotia Health’s commitment to expanding eReferrals.
Important reminder for referring providers:
No Resubmission Needed for Previously Accepted Faxed Referrals
Referring providers who have previously submitted faxed referrals before May 1,2025 and had them accepted, do not need to resubmit referrals.
Supports available to you:
- Direct in-person or virtual support: www.referralsns.ca/ask.
- For training resources and ongoing enhancement updates visit www.referralsns.ca
- Learn more about the eServices Program here.
May 4-10 Marks National Hospice Palliative Care Week
~ shared on behalf of Dr. Nicole Boutilier, EVP Medicine and Clinical Operations, Shannon Ryan Carson, Senior Director, Palliative Care Network, and Dr. David Henderson, Senior Medical Director, Palliative Care Network
Contrary to common misconception, palliative care is not limited to the end-of-life but supports and improves the quality of life for patients who live with a life limiting illness. Palliative care can include pain management, symptom management, advanced care planning, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual support, caregiver support and hospice care. A palliative approach to care can be provided by a wide range of providers and caregivers at any stage of a serious illness. The specialist palliative care team works collaboratively with other care team members to build their capacity in the palliative approach to care, provide advice, recommendations, and manage patients who are dealing with more complex and challenging symptoms throughout the disease trajectory.
The role of palliative care is to help patients, and their loved ones manage illness on their terms, with the patients' values, goals and beliefs at the forefront. Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing resources and stories with the goal of helping more people understand the benefits of palliative care and highlight the compassionate work of our palliative care team members across the province.
Thank you to our exceptional teams of clinicians, physicianWomen in Medicine: An Evening of Inspiration and Connections, and team members including volunteers, who provide palliative care within Nova Scotia Health. Your work makes a lasting impact on patients, loved ones and their communities.
Learn more about Palliative Care at Nova Scotia Health or visit the Palliative Care Library Guide.
Women in Medicine: An Evening of Inspiration and Connection
On May 1, the Medical Affairs Women in Medicine Central Zone Community of Practice hosted a special evening with Dr. Mamta Gautam, centered around the important topic of Gender Equity in Medicine. The event brought together over 30 physicians from diverse backgrounds and stages in their careers, creating a vibrant and supportive space to share experiences, gain inspiration, and feel empowered.
Held in the private dining room at The Mercantile Social in Halifax, the venue provided a warm and welcoming backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection. The strong turnout highlighted the value and impact of these gatherings within the medical community.
Further programming is planned for Fall 2025. If you're interested in learning more or participating in future events, please contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, Physician Learning and Development, at janeebolivar@nshealth.ca.
Read the full newsletter here.
