Health Services Emergency Management

MISSION:

Health Services Emergency Management, in collaboration with our partners, shall lead the Nova Scotia Health System in maintaining a state of readiness, using emergency management principles and practices, in preparation for adverse events.

VISION:

Advancing resiliency within the Nova Scotia health system.

Health Services Emergency Management (HSEM) is a resource of the Department of Health and Wellness that is headed by a Senior Director.  SARS, West Nile, Walkerton, pandemic influenza, terrorism, climate change, Swissair, Hurricane Juan and White Juan are all examples of threats that could affect the ability of the health system to respond. Having a dedicated organization to protect the health of Nova Scotians through the mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery from adverse events is the role of HSEM.

HSEM’s stakeholders are the people of Nova Scotia, since everyone has an interest in a responsible and robust health system. Its main focus is to increase the capacity and capability of the province’s health system to cope with emergencies or disasters of all types, as well as to maintain a state of readiness to most efficiently manage regional, provincial, national and international health crises. It aims to do this by forward planning, process mapping, exercise participation and education.  Examples of the major tasks the office involves itself in are readiness management, “all hazards” planning, business continuity, and emergency notification.

Information is everything in the emergency management business, and so HSEM strongly believes in maintaining open channels among various parties for effective communication. The HSEM office routinely liaises with the nine Nova Scotia District Health Authorities, the IWK, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, Public Safety Canada, the NS Department of Community Services, the Emergency Management Office of Nova Scotia, as well as health-related ministries in other provinces and territories. A beneficial relationship also exists with non government organization including the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

A key enabler in the delivery of health services to the citizens of Nova Scotia, HSEM views its responsibility as managing the “health” of the system.

Pertinent Legislation (Provincial):

• Emergency Health Services Act
• Emergency Management Act
• Environment Act
• Health Act
• Health Authorities Act
• Health Protection Act
• Homes for Special Care Act
• Hospitals Act
• Occupational Health and Safety Act

Pertinent Legislation (Federal):

• Emergencies Act
• Emergency Management Act -
• Quarantine Act:
  • http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showtdm/cs/Q-1
  • http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showtdm/cs/Q-1.1
• Human Pathogens Importation Regulations

Acronyms: