Flu Assessment Clinic

Health officials are doing what they can to help people deal with the changing information in regards to H-1-N-1. South Shore Health points to the newly announced priorities for the vaccination: pregnant women; children younger than five (six months to 59 months); people living in First Nations communities; and health-care workers who provide direct care to patients. And in response to more people coming to their emergency departments by people with flu-like symptoms, there is an influenza assessment centre at South Shore Regional Hospital. The clinic will be open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. The Walk-in Clinic will be held as usual. The Health authority wants to be clear, the Centre is not providing vaccinations or H1N1 testing. They say you should come to the centre if you think you have the flu and get sicker instead of better after a few days; or you have the flu and are in a high risk group.

Vaccinating High Risk Only

South Shore Health’s H1N1 Vaccine Clinics scheduled for this week (November 2 through 6) in Lunenburg and Queens Counties will be targeted at specific high risk groups. Because of national vaccine supply issues, H1N1 vaccine will be limited to those most at risk from the virus.
These are:
· Pregnant women
· Children younger than five (six months to 59 months)
· People living in First Nations communities
· Health-care workers in district health authorities, long-term care facilities and home-care agencies who provide direct care to patients. This includes family physicians, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. If you do not belong to one of these groups you will not receive vaccine at this time.

The province will re-assess its vaccine supply on an ongoing basis, and will offer vaccine later to other groups, based on risk, as vaccine supply allows. Physician’s offices will not receive H1N1 vaccine until further notice. Physicians who have already received vaccine will be asked to only immunize people in the groups listed. Workplace immunization clinics for H1N1 will be postponed until further notice. http://www.ssdha.nshealth.ca/H1N1%20and%20Seasonal%20Flu%20Vaccine%20Poster.pdf

For an updated list of clinics visit www.ssdha.nshealth.ca or call HealthLink 8-1-1.

School Flu Plan

South Shore School board officials say their pandemic plan is focussed on providing the essential services of the schools. The board overseeing schools in Lunenburg county have drafted and adopted a plan to deal with the potential outbreak of H-1-N-1. Occupational Health and Safety Manager Gail Sinclair says there will be lots of information for parents and students when they get back to school next week. Sinclair says the plan is basic but it's also one that will change as they learn things going through a pandemic situation in the school system.

Bring your Own Toys

In a move to reduce the potential spread of the H-1-N-1 flu virus South Shore Health is removing all magazines, books and toys from patient waiting areas and in patient areas. Patients or children with day appointments or coming into Emergency Departments at South Shore Health are advised to bring their own washable toys and reading materials with them, and take them home when they leave. The recommendation comes from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

New Doctor in New Germany

Welcome news for a rural Lunenburg County Medical Center that has been without a family doctor since November. South Shore Health and the Board of the New Germany and Area Medical Centre Association are welcoming a new physician to the community. Dr. Kory Jollymore will start seeing patients the week of August 31. He is relocating from Bridgewater, where he has been practicing since October 2008. The Center says Dr. Jollymore will be working in a collaborative practice with nurse practitioner Rob Snelling, who began seeing patients in June. The District Health Authority has been trying to recruit someone to set up practice in New Germany since the medical centre lost its two full-time family physicians last fall.

Heat Issues

Severe and lengthy heat waves can be dangerous. St. John Ambulance urges families to watch for these signs and provide immediate first aid measures.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is caused by exposure to excessive heat and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some of the following signs and symptoms may be present; muscular cramps; headache; dizziness; exhaustion; cold, clammy, pale skin; weak and rapid pulse; and rapid shallow breathing.
1) Place the person at rest in a cool place with feet and legs elevated.
Loosen constrictive clothing and remove excess clothing.
2) Give a fully conscious casualty as much water as he or she is able to
drink. If unconscious, do not give anything by mouth. Put the
unconscious person into the recovery position. Monitor airway,
breathing and circulation closely.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, is caused by exposure to high temperatures and hot, dry winds or high humidity and poor circulation. Signs and symptoms include a flushed face and hot skin, which may be either wet or dry, a temperature of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) or higher, a rapid and full pulse, noisy breathing, restlessness, headache and dizziness.
Unconsciousness may develop quickly and convulsions may occur. The person may die unless the body temperature is reduced quickly. To do so, remove the casualty's clothing and bathe him or her in cool water or wrap in a wet, cool sheet. Keep the sheet wet. If unconscious, put the person into the recovery position. When the body temperature is lowered to 38 degrees C (slightly above normal), cover the person with a dry sheet and keep as cool as possible.
Sunburn
For minor sunburn, place the person in the shade and apply cool water or cloths soaked in cool water. Commercial ointment or cream may be used (Caution: an allergic reaction might occur.) Extreme sun exposure may cause swelling and blistering. Such cases should be treated as a severe burn.
Burns

1) Lessen swelling and blistering, and relieve pain by immediately
immersing the burned area in cool water or by applying cloths soaked
in cool water. Do not place a burn under extreme water pressure, such
as a strong-running tap, since it may further damage the tissues.
2) Remove rings or other jewellery and constrictive clothing before
swelling or blistering occurs. Do not remove clothing that is stuck
to the burned area. Do not apply butter, ointments or oil dressings.
3) Cover the burned area with a dry, sterile dressing if possible,
otherwise use a clean cloth.
These survival tips will assist you with heat-related emergency situations but they should never be considered as a replacement for a first aid course. In any emergency situation always obtain trained medical assistance as quickly as possible.
These first aid and survival tips are put together by experienced first aid professionals from St. John Ambulance Canada.
For further information: visit www.sja.ca to download Spring and Summer - First Aid and Survival Tips

Camp Outbreak

Summer camps in Ontario aren't the only ones seeing an increase in the numbers of swine flu or H-1-N-1 Influenza. South Shore Health officials say there have been several cases reported in Lunenburg and Queens counties. And that includes infections reported at a summer camp in the District. It was only last week health officials confirmed the first case in the county saying the person was recovering and didn't need hospitalization. And just like that case where the health district held back the gender and community they were from, they aren't saying where the summer camp is that is dealing with the new swine flu cases. The Medical Officer of Health for the district says prevention is the best way to stay healthy. Dr. Richard Gould says wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect common surfaces and items such as doorknobs and counters frequently.

For more information on swine flu:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/h1n1-influenza-groups.asp

H-1-N-1 Update

Swine flu continues to make the headlines with the latest outbreak spreading through three summer camps in Ontario. Here in Nova Scotia there have been 358 confirmed cases of H1N1, human swine influenza. There has been one confirmed case in the South Shore Health District, however, the person did not require hospitalization and is recovering. South Shore Health will not be releasing the person's gender or any other details. Meantime, Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says the District H1N1 readiness planning committee is meeting weekly to get provincial updates, share information and discuss current local concerns and questions.

Health Workers

Two former recipients of the South Shore Health Bursary Program ,one RN and one LPN, have completed their return-for service agreements and are now working for South Shore Health. The program was established in 2006 and has provided funding to students from Lunenburg and Queens Counties who are interested in pursuing a career. The Bursary Program is funded by the Health Services Foundation and the Queens General Foundation and last year receivedadditional funding from the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Successful recipients are required to enter into a return-for-service agreement with the District equal to the number of years supported by the program. This year, there are 6 recipients graduating from their chosen field of study: 4 RN's; 1 Medical Laboratory Technologist; and 1 Medical Radiology Technologist. Five of the recipients have or will begin their return-for service agreement over the next several months. The District is currently supporting 3 RN's and 1 Physician and hope to support an additional 5 students in 2009-2010.

Health CEO Deputized

South Shore Health CEO, Kevin McNamara, has been appointed acting deputy minister of the Department of Health. Premier Darrell Dexter in making the announced today says McNamara understands the unique challenges of Nova Scotia's health-care system and will be able to help government prepare to address those challenges. The appointment will take effect Friday (July 3rd) and will last about three months.

Stroke Awareness

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada but work continues on the south shore to address the health issue. The District is working on a program to both treat and prevent brain attacks, also known as strokes. Clinical Services President Sandy Christie says on the South Shore, we have high rates of many of the risk factors for stroke. They include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and elevated cholesterol levels. As part of the program, funded by the Department of Health, South Shore Health hired a Coordinator to help support District planning and implementation. South Shore Health has dedicated 4-beds on the Cardiovascular Health Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital to stroke care. Christie says evidence shows grouping stroke patients together improves functional outcomes, reduces mortality rates and decreases length of hospital stay.

Foul Play Ruled Out

2009-06-09 17:46:11

Bridgewater police say foul play has been ruled out in the death of a woman who's body was found in Glen Allen Park.  She has been identified as 50-year old Deborah Bell-Ivany of Bridgewater.  An autopsy is being performed today in Halifax at the Provincial Medical Examiner's office.  Police say they are still conducting interviews and they are waiting for results from additional forensic testing.  A man walking his dog in the park found the remains just before noon yesterday.

Nurse Practitioner

2009-06-04 06:14:53

Even if the doctor is OUT, the nurse practitioner is IN at the New Germany and Area Medical Center.  Rob Snelling started seeing patients yesterday as part of the District plan to have more health care opportunities in Lunenburg and Queens counties.  There are also nurse practitioners in North Queens, Lunenburg and Chester.  Nurse practitioners are able to diagnose, monitor, and treat many conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, flu, sore throats and ear infections. They can prescribe some medications and can order blood tests, X-rays and scans.   South Shore Health officials say having the position at the New Germany clinic will help in the efforts to recruit family physicians to the area.  The position is being funding by the Department of Health.

Health Dollars

2009-05-14 06:22:39

South Shore Health is still waiting for specifics on a government anouncement on projects at the hospitals in Bridgewater and Liverpool.   C-E-O Kevin McNamara says it's abnormal for them to be told they are getting financial help but not the amount or when they can expect it.  But he says it is positive to know what projects the funding has been approved for.  He says another challenge is that the district is still waiting for budget figures from the province. McNamara says they may end up in a situation where they would have to make cuts or adjustments to their budget but in a shorter time span. While campaigning with Peter Zwicker and Carolyn Bollivar Getson Wednesday, Premier Rodney MacDonald told CKBW News the funding for the projects at South Shore Regional amounted to 12-million dollars.

Health Board

2009-05-12 12:05:36

Nova Scotia's Health Minister has appointed one new member and re-appointed three others to the Board of Directors for South Shore Health.  Christopher Clarke, Walter Freeman and Doug Nauss are all returning to the board.  Dr. Al Doucet is the new face. He has practised as a family physician in Liverpool for 31 years and was a recent president of the District's Medical Staff. He retired from family practice last year and is currently working part time as South Shore Health's physician leader for Continuing Care.  Dr. Doucet replaces retiring Board Member Dr. David Large who did not reoffer for his position.

Health money

2009-05-05 06:13:05

South Shore residents are going to be seeing an enhancement of service at the South Shore Regional Hospital. MLA  Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, on behalf of Health Minister Karen Casey, says a multi-million dollar  investment in South Shore Regional Hospital will enhance emergency room service and accommodate a satellite dialysis unit.  Funding was also announced for design work on Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. The design work will enable the Queens project to move forward.  Christopher Clarke co-chair of the hospitals fundraising committee says they've been working towards the project for about 6 years. The 22 medical beds that were built in 1965 will be replaced with modern up to date facilities and there will be a new primary care centre meaning better medical delivery in Queens

H1-N1 Update

2009-05-04 06:28:49

As of today (May 3rd) two new lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza) virus have been reported. To date, a total of 33 cases have been confirmed in Nova Scotia. Both new cases are related to the King's-Edgehill school
community.   Of the six confirmed cases announced Saturday (May 2nd) from outside the King's-Edgehill community, five are still under investigation and one is a teenage student in Baddeck. That student had recently visited King's-Edgehill.     Deputy chief medical officer of Health Dr. Maureen Baikie says public health officials are not surprised to see confirmed cases in other parts of the province but she remain confident in the vigor of the public health system.     Taking preventative action is the best way for Nova Scotians to protect themselves for H1N1 (human swine influenza) or seasonal influenza. That means washing your hands thoroughly and often, coughing or sneezing into your sleeves, staying away from public areas if you are sick and frequently cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces and items such as doorknobs and counters.

E-R Closure

2009-04-29 10:28:49

Another hospital E-R closure because of staffing shortages.  The emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is closed today (April 29). The Health Authority says it's because of  the unavailability of staff to cover the shifts.  The department will be closed from 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29 to 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30.  A spokesperson says the closure has nothing to do with the outbreak of swine flu in Nova Scotia.  Although South Shore Health says two staff within the district were sent home yesterday because they had been in close contact with King's-Edgehill students from Windsor.  Communications director Theresa Hawkesworth says those staff did not exhibit any signs of having contracted the virus and have in fact been allowed to return to work.  They are being watched in case they do develop symptoms.

Breastfeeding Support

2009-04-29 06:09:46

The Lunenburg & Queens Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee has a new community resource  available for businesses and organizations to create supportive environments for breastfeeding families.  Susie Wood, Co-chair of the  Committee unveiled the Action Support Binder, Make Breastfeeding Your Business at Bridgewater Town Council Monday night. Wood says support and education are key in creating a community that supports breastfeeding. Wood says it's an opportunity for Bridgewater to serve in a leadership role and act as a champion in creating supportive environments for other places of employment throughout the community in making breastfeeding the cultural norm in Bridgewater.

Swine Flu Watch

2009-04-28 05:52:19

South Shore Health is monitoring the Swine Flu situation very closely and is in regular contact with the  Departments of Health Protection and Promotion and the Department of Health as well as  provincial counterparts.Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says locally they are following all recommended guidelines and protocols and are working with Health Promotion and Protection to enhance existing surveillance for respiratory illness in Nova Scotia.  They are also working to ensure that heath care professionals get the information they need to identify and manage suspected cases.  Hawkesworth says  they have had a number of calls from the public with questions and concerns. She says  if you've been to Mexico recently and have severe flu-like symptoms, you should isolate yourself and contact your family doctors or other health care professional. Make sure you mention your travel history.  People with general questions or concerns should contact Public Health in Bridgewater