Health Initiatives, Programs, and Services

Addictions

Provides a continuum of care and service relating to health promotion, addiction prevention, early intervention, and treatment.

Continuing Care

The Continuing Care branch serves people who need ongoing care outside of hospital, either on a long-term or short-term basis. It's services include Home Care, Nursing Homes, Protection for Vulnerable Adults, Caregiver Benefit, Supportive Care Program and other programs and services.

Also, this section provides information about the Continuing Care Strategy and progress on its initiatives. As well as information on Aboriginal Health and Nova Scotia's Continuing Care Strategy.

EHS

Emergency Health Services (EHS) is a division of the Nova Scotia Department of Health. It is responsible for the continual development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of pre-hospital emergency health services in the province.

Family Physicians

Looking for a Family Doctor? The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness has an online directory listing physicians within the province who are taking new patients.

Health Card (MSI)

Nova Scotia's health insurance programs are designated to provide eligible residents with coverage for medically required hospital, medical, dental and optometric services with some restrictions. Nova Scotians who are eligible for health insurance should have a Nova Scotia Health Card. This site includes answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Nova Scotia Health Card.

Health Care Safety

The health care system strives to deliver the highest quality services possible. Safety is a fundamental element of quality and is increasingly the focus of attention around the world. As intended, the complex processes associated with healthcare can bring significant benefits. Sometimes, however, the results of the care provided may be not as expected. While we know that no system is error-free, we continually work with our health partners to improve patient safety and quality, striving to be as close to error-free as possible.

Health Services Emergency Management

Focuses on the mitigation, prevention, response and recovery to events that could impact the health system.

Health Team Nova Scotia

For health-care professionals, Nova Scotia is your chance to finally find balance. Here, you can establish and grow an extremely fulfilling career. Here, you can live a life rich in substance, culture, and fun. Here, you can focus on the people and things that really matter.

Our medical field is accomplished, dynamic, and full of opportunities. Beyond amazing opportunities for growth and an equally amazing lifestyle, there are many financial advantages and incentives available to those practicing in Nova Scotia.

Infection Prevention and Control

Infection Prevention and Control contribute's to enhanced coordination, integration and consistent infection prevention and control practice across health care provider organizations, as well as collaboration amongst other government departments and service.

Mental Health Services

Nova Scotians of all ages have access to mental health services. Provincial programs and services based on community need are delivered by each of the nine district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre.

Nursing Strategy

The Nova Scotia Nursing Strategy is our comprehensive and coordinated approach to enhancing the quality of work life for nurses. Through it we're making sure that Nova Scotia has what it needs to keep experienced nurses here and to attract high-caliber recruits.

Pharmacare

Nova Scotia provides assistance to eligible residents through various programs to help pay for prescribed medications and supplies listed in the Nova Scotia Formulary.

Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation

Focuses on achieving better health outcomes and improving the quality of life through participation in physical activity, sport and recreation for all Nova Scotians.

Primary Health Care

In Nova Scotia, and right across Canada, Primary Health Care is being strengthened and expanded, so you and your family can live healthier lives. In fact, health care that supports people, whatever their circumstances, maintain and enhance their own health, is recognized and promoted by the World Health Organization as the fundamental tenet of health care.

Public Health

Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

Responsible for program development related to vaccine and non vaccine preventable diseases inclusive of the publicly funded immunization program and outbreak management.

Environmental Health

Protects health, reduces risk, and enhances and promotes a safe and healthy environment.

Healthy Communities

Works to address and prevent chronic disease and injuries, as well as disparities in the health of populations.

Healthy Development

Supports the development and implementation of policies, strategies and initiatives that improve the health of Nova Scotia's children, youth and families.

Population Health Assessment and Surveillance

Collects, analyzes and interprets data to inform public health decision-making.

Travel and Accommodation Assistance for out of province for insured medical care

Nova Scotians who are approved to travel out of province for insured medical care that is not available here are now eligible for some assistance

Wait Times

Wait Times Web site provides information on Nova Scotia's plan to improve wait times, highlighting the progress to date, and sharing wait time information for publicly funded tests, treatments, and services across the province.