Tick Hotline Has Transitioned to 811
Last year, the Nova Scotia Health Tick Hotline was created as a suite of services available to support Nova Scotians. It was established as part of a larger “test and try” pilot of supports to help Nova Scotians navigate care for acute and chronic tick-borne illnesses.
Research conducted during this period, including throughout spring and summer of 2024, has shown that most Nova Scotians are still choosing the 811 service as the preferable number to call for their tick-related concerns, and as of October 28, 2024, this hotline has transitioned to the 811 service.
We are confident that the well-established and widely recognized 811 service will continue to meet these needs successfully.
Nova Scotians who have tick-related questions, believe they have been bitten by a black legged tick, or experience an unusual reaction to a tick bite, can dial 811, use the YourHealthNS app, or visit the Nova Scotia Health Tick Service website.
Consumer VPN Services Have Been Blocked from Accessing Organizational Microsoft 365 (M365) Services
As of Friday, October 25th, consumer VPN services have been blocked from accessing organizational Microsoft 365 (M365) services.
What is a consumer VPN service?
Virtual private network services like SurfShark, Private Internet Access, Nord VPN, etc., are often used to browse the web and access online services securely and anonymously. Since they hide the user’s IP address (geographical location) they can pose a high risk to organizational accounts, data, and services.
Why are we doing this?
- To prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches
- To enhance the security of organizational data and systems
What can you expect?
If you access M365 services (e.g., email, Teams, etc.) through a consumer VPN service, you will receive one of the following prompts (see newsletter link).
What am I expected to do?
Use one of the guides below to close the VPN service prior to accessing organizational M365 services.
If you have questions or need support, please contact the Service Desk.
Erin Sephton Honored with Tom Ashman Award as Physician Assistant of the Year
Erin Sephton, a physician assistant (PA) at Dartmouth General Hospital (DGH), has been named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Tom Ashman Award by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA). This annual award recognizes exceptional service, leadership and dedication to the PA profession.
Dr. Todd Howlett, Senior Medical Director of Innovation at Nova Scotia Health, also received the Honor Roll Award at the event. The award recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions to promoting and advancing the PA profession in Canada. Dr. Howlett has played a pivotal role in advancing the profession in Nova Scotia.
“Erin Sephton is a deserved recipient of the prestigious Tom Ashman PA award from CAPA. Her professionalism and contributions in PA education, clinical care, and advocacy make her a positive role model for so many, including those who are considering entering the PA profession,” said Dr. Howlett.
Read more about Erin and her role here.
Celebrating Diwali: A Time for Light, Joy and Togetherness
As Diwali approaches on October 31, Raj Makkar, manager of Planning and Development for Primary Health Care, reflects on this cherished festival’s meaning and traditions. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali celebrates joy, gratitude, and togetherness with family, friends, and shared meals. Raj encourages colleagues to join the celebration by lighting a candle or placing lights in their windows, symbolizing peace and unity. “It’s about spreading joy to others,” he shares. Read the full story.
2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Infection and Outbreak Management in LTCF
~shared on behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
LTCF residents are predisposed to Viral Respiratory Infections (VRIs) due to age, impaired immune defences, and underlying medical comorbidities (chronic lung or neurological diseases which impair their ability to clear secretions from their lungs and airways).
In addition, many viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens are easily transmitted within an institutional environment.
This document provides guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) and elevated risk congregate-living settings to prevent and control viral respiratory infections (VRIs) and
outbreaks within their facility.
Please find the new version at: 2024-2025 A Guide to Respiratory Virus Infection and Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care Facilities
Notable changes from the 2023-24 version include:
- Isolation period for LTCF residents who refuse to be tested for a respiratory pathogen
- Treatments for COVID-19
- Information on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine and Pneumococcal vaccines
- Staff time off work reduced to 5 days, then work isolation
- Clarification on how to calculate resident isolation period
- Removal of isolation of asymptomatic roommate
- Point of care testing / Rapid Testing
- Influenza antiviral information
