Improving Access to Healthcare
Province Extends Travel Assistance Program for Surgical Patients
Nova Scotians who need to travel to other parts of the province for surgery will continue to receive support for travel and accommodation.
The Province has extended the In-province Travel Assistance Pilot Program to Support Surgical Access for another year. The program reduces out-of-pocket costs for eligible, lower-income patients who must travel within the province for scheduled surgery, or endoscopy or cystoscopy procedures, including for the day of their surgery/procedure and some related appointments.
The pilot, which began June 1, 2023, is extended to May 31, 2025. It provides reimbursement for:
transportation costs at $0.58 per kilometre when using personal vehicles
accommodation costs of up to $85 per night if travelling more than 50 kilometres (one-way)
transportation and accommodation costs for someone to travel with the patient if necessary.
To be eligible for the program, Nova Scotians must:
have a confirmed surgery, endoscopy or cystoscopy procedure date
be on the Nova Scotia Health wait list for surgery, or an endoscopy or cystoscopy procedure
be a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid health card
have a gross family income of less than $35,000 per year
not have private insurance that covers travel or accommodation costs.
People can apply at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/surgical-access-initiative-program
YourHealthNS to Include Ultrasound Reports
Nova Scotians can now access more information about their ultrasound results through the YourHealthNS app.
Ultrasound reports completed from August 5 onward will start to be available in the app today, August 19. The report includes the body part examined, the reason for the ultrasound, findings and a comparison with any previous ultrasounds.
Reports completed after August 5 will be available through the app 14 days later.
Ultrasound reports will add to the information – date, time and location of the scan, body part scanned and the provider who requested the ultrasound – currently available through the app. Images will not be available.
The Province recently expanded access to electronic health records to people provincewide with a valid Nova Scotia health card who are 16 and older and made X-ray reports available.
Providing Nova Scotians access to their electronic health records to better manage their healthcare is part of a larger digital health transformation that includes YourHealthNS, virtual care, e-referrals, the Care Coordination Centre, the Oncology Transformation Project and the One Person One Record clinical information system.
Newborns Now Screened for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Newborns across the Maritimes will now be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), through a genetic test added to the Maritime Newborn Screening program.
The screening, done at birth, will provide early diagnosis and access to care sooner for infants with the disorder.
The screening program expansion, which took effect Monday, August 19, is a partnership between the Province, the Maritime Newborn Screening program and Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada committed $420,000 for equipment, training and validation work to begin screening for SMA, a genetic condition that leads to muscle weakness. It affects three to four newborns in the Maritimes each year. It is now one of 24 conditions covered by the screening program.
Spinal muscular atrophy testing supports the government’s commitment to precision medicine, which provides healthcare teams with information to understand conditions better and to support and guide early treatment.
Action for Health Data Updated
Nova Scotians can now see updated healthcare data on the Action for Health website.
The latest data, from the first quarter of 2024-25 (April 1 to June 30), shows ongoing positive trends in several areas, including consistent reductions to the surgical wait list and staff vacancy rates, and a high number of long-term care admissions.
The government is making progress on each of the six broad solutions to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia laid out in the Action for Health strategy. All actions outlined in the strategic plan are now underway and their status has been updated.
The Action for Health website is updated quarterly: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth
Highlights from the last quarter include:
Nova Scotia’s second medical school campus is on track to open in the fall of 2025 with 30 first-year seats, with a focus on practising in rural Nova Scotian communities
Nova Scotians being treated for cancer and dealing with hair loss can get help with the cost of a wig through a one-time rebate of $300
four new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and a partnership with a medical imaging company will improve access and reduce wait times for patients
eligible Nova Scotians living with diabetes can apply for funding to cover the cost of sensor-based glucose monitoring supplies
residents of Pugwash and the surrounding area have better access to healthcare with the opening of the new North Cumberland Health Care Centre
cancer patients and others in Cape Breton will get enhanced care closer to home with a new PET-CT scanner for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital
the Province will cover full tuition for more than 460 people who want to become a primary care paramedic or emergency medical responder.
New Tranquility App
Nova Scotians aged 16 and older with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety can access mental health help—for free—through an online program called Tranquility.
Tranquility is an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program that can help improve outcomes and reduce symptoms. The program includes learning modules, interactive tools, and a coach who can support you through virtual and phone sessions or messaging.
Learn more about Tranquility and how to sign up at https://www.tranquility.app/novascotia
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-888-429-8167.
Local Healthcare Access Points
Pharmacist Walk-In 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 |
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.
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 |
VirtualCareNS
Did you know that Nova Scotians with a primary care provider get two free visits through VirtualCareNS per year? And that those without a primary care provider have unlimited access to virtual care?
To learn more about VirtualCareNS and to register today, visit: www.virtualcarens.ca
August in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
Emancipation Day
August 1 is Emancipation Day which marks the anniversary of the British parliament’s abolishment of slavery across its empire in 1834.
On Emancipation Day, we honor this pivotal moment by taking time to listen, learn, and reflect on the profound impact of this day. It is also an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the courageous struggle for freedom and justice.
A&W Burgers to Beat MS
On August 22, I stopped by our local A&W restaurant on Robie Street in Truro to pick up a Teen Burger in support of the #BurgerstoBeatMS initiative going on across Canada.
To learn more about the Burgers to Beat MS fundraiser, check out this link: A&W Canada (aw.ca)
Colchester Food Network's Healing Garden
Thank you to Colchester Food Network's Executive Director, Shelly DeViller, for taking some time to show off the future site of the Colchester Food Network Community Healing Garden. What a great initiative this is, that will help so many in our community.
Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival Pie Eating Contest
The annual Blueberry Pie Eating Contest is always such a fun event. What a great (and delicious!) way to kick off the Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival!
The festival runs throughout Central Nova Scotia August 17- September 2, 2024. For more information, check out https://wildblueberryfest.com
TAAC Revitalization Update
If you've driven by the TAAC Grounds lately, you may have seen that the facility is really starting to take shape! Check out these drone pictures taken by George Kharma.
I am so proud that the Houston government for making the commitment to this project that will bring so much to our area, and to all levels of government for working cooperatively to make the TAAC Revitalization happen.
I hope you are as excited as we are as we get closer and closer to finishing this amazing facility!
Door Knocking
Between meetings on August 15 I decided to knock on some doors in the Glenwood Drive area in the Town of Truro. Thank you to all the residents for their time to chat!
Sobeys Truro Prince Street Grand Reopening
I was honored to attend the Grand Reopening of Sobeys on Prince Street in Truro. Thank you to management for having me celebrate with you all and show off the beautiful renovations.
National Acadian Day
August 15 was National Acadian Day. On this day, we honour the profound contributions and rich history of Acadian culture in Nova Scotia, which is why our PC government designated August as Acadian Heritage Month. Let us celebrate the vibrant traditions and culture of our Acadian community, valuing their language and heritage.
Funding to Support Municipal Projects in Truro & Bible Hill
The Province is investing in 62 municipal projects involving infrastructure improvements, innovation and community development across Nova Scotia. Through five provincial programs, they will receive funding to enhance local services, create job opportunities and beautify communities. The Town of Truro and Village of Bible Hill were recipients.
The Province is investing more than $2.3 million:- 25 projects will receive a total of $539,014 through the Beautification and Streetscaping Program, which helps communities create inviting spaces and attract more visitors; it funds up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects, up to a maximum $25,000- 12 projects will receive $230,504 under the Community Works Program, which creates job opportunities for youth and unemployed people to gain skills and experience in their fields
We'kopekitk Competition Pow Wow 2024
I was honoured to join Millbrook First Nation Chief Bob Gloade, Truro Mayor Bill Mills, veterans, dancers and community members in the 2024 We'kopekitk Competition Pow Wow. Thank you to the Rath Eastlink Community Centre for hosting the Grand Entry opening ceremony due to rain, and to the organizers who were so quick to adapt and make 2024 another successful Pow Wow.
Colchester East Hants Health Centre Healing Garden
I was honored to join the Truro Police Service with Mayor Mills, Chief Gloade, members of Millbrook First Nation, and staff from the Colchester East Hants Health Center for a flag raising in recognition of the Sheila Gloade Indigenous Healing Garden at CEHHA.
Apex Tournament 50th Anniversary
The Apex Invitational Golf Association Tournament celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year with a banquet and dance - a wonderful way to celebrate community and family.
It was certainly a special evening at the Truro Golf Club. A ceremony was held on the 2nd tee unveiling the “Island Legacy” plaque recognizing the importance of the Island community to the establishment of the Truro Golf Club as well as past inequality to those members of Island community who were so integral to the foundations of the Club, yet previously not allowed to join because of the colour of their skin. At this ceremony, Darrell Maxwell was also awarded an Honourary Membership for his contributions and success in golf not just at the Truro Golf Club, but at the Provincial and National level.
Thank you to all who were involved in making this happen, and special thanks to Nevin Jackson for his time and commitment to this event!
Firefit Championship & Colchester County Ribfest
There was lots of fun events taking place at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition grounds this summer.
My wife, Amber, and I attended the Firefit Championship in Village of Bible Hill as well as the first annual Colchester County Ribfest, which did not disappoint!
Bible Hill Fire and Emergency volunteer Rajat Malik was the only local competitor in the Canadian qualifier. The Nova Scotia Guard ambassador team was on site as well providing residents information and signing up new members!
Preparing for the Nova Scotia Stampede
Shovels are in the dirt! The process has begun for the rodeo arena build/ground prep at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex, and we're only weeks away from the first Nova Scotia Stampede! Hope to see you there.
Back to the Legislature
On September 4, we returned to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for the Fall 2024 session. Congratulations to Danielle Barkhouse, MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's Bay on being named the new Speaker of the House.
As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. Please continue to monitor my website, www.daveritcey.ca for updates and to view past editions of this newsletter.
Sincerely,
MLA Dave Ritcey
Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River