IWK Health

IWK Pharmacy Department is excited to be meeting candidates this week to join our hospital pharmacy residency program.  We’ve created this short video to highlight the special experience of working and learning with our team of pharmacists and technicians who are experts in their field.  https://lnkd.in/ek56rU4e

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), observed annually from November 18–24, is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This year’s theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” underscores the critical role that healthcare providers, patients, and policy makers all play in preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to global public health, and is unfortunately outpacing advances in modern medicine. Exposure to antimicrobials results in the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and fungi in our communities. As a result, common infections are becoming harder (and sometimes impossible) to treat, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. In Canada, this is also compounded by limited access to new antimicrobials and ongoing supply chain challenges with existing antimicrobials. Healthcare providers are on the front lines of this crisis, and we can all play an active role in tackling AMR. Antimicrobial stewardship means prescribing the right drug, at the right dose, for the right amount of time. Equally important, is reducing the risk of bacterial infection (and therefore the need for antibiotics) through infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene, and vaccination promotion. Open communication with patients about the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use also plays a vital role in public awareness. At the IWK, Jeannette Comeau, MD and Jennifer Curran, PharmD co-lead the multidisciplinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) with a goal of supporting healthcare providers in antimicrobial stewardship efforts at both a patient and system level. The program consists of an interdisciplinary team of vital members within microbiology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, women’s health, infection prevention and control, and pharmacy. Firstline, the app designed to provide IWK specific guidance in the treatment of common infections and antimicrobial use, is frequently updated in collaboration with teams across the institution. Yearly antibiograms are published with surveillance of local antimicrobial resistance patterns, and the prospective antimicrobial assessment services aims to provide patient level support to clinicians in antimicrobial decision making. Combating antimicrobial resistance requires a united, multidisciplinary approach. By championing judicious antimicrobial use and reinforcing infection prevention, together, we can help preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines for future generations.

I'd love for you to join our team!

Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on November 20, is a tribute to the memory of two-spirit, non-binary, and transgender individuals whose lives were tragically lost due to acts of anti-transgender violence. It's vital to recognize that within this community, BIPOC trans women and gender non-conforming individuals bear a disproportionate burden of this violence. Their lives are a testament to resilience and strength, but we must also acknowledge that anti-trans hate is deeply intertwined with other forms of oppression, including anti-Blackness, systemic racism, misogyny, classism, ableism, xenophobia, and more. Anti-trans violence and hate have specifically impacted Halifax and the Maritimes. These hateful protests violate the right of Canadian trans people to live free of harassment and transphobia. These instances demand collective action from our community, calling on allies to join forces to protect and love our trans friends. At IWK, we uphold a duty of care. We are committed to proactively preventing actions or oversights that might harm others, and we are dedicated to our mission to create welcoming and secure spaces for everyone who walks through our doors. Our commitment extends to fighting against all forms of discrimination and injustice, knowing that a more inclusive and equal world is still within reach. Nova Scotia's Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-429-8167 Canada's Trans Lifeline is a free, 24-hour crisis hotline and peer support service for transgender people. Call 1-877-330-6366 or visit translifeline.org/hotline

This week, for National Addictions Awareness Week, the Mental Health & Addictions team at IWK Health is standing with youth, families, and our community as we reflect on opportunities to break stigma and promote compassionate, evidence-based care. IWK Health provides addictions services for children and youth under 19. We’re also expanding access to support through the launch of Anchor Youth Spaces across Nova Scotia, with three of eight sites now open, offering youth-friendly, walk-in access to care and community supports. If you or someone you care about needs support, you can contact IWK Health’s Central Referral line at 1-855-922-1122 or the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167. You can also book an appointment for mental health and addictions services at prebooking.nshealth.ca. For more information about National Addictions Awareness Week, visit the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction webpage: www.ccsa.ca. #NAAW #AddictionsAwareness #IWKHealth #MentalHealthMatters

World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17 each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.

The Provincial Preschool Autism Services (PPAS) team at IWK Health Centre is seeking a Clinical Leader of Intensive Services to help shape and guide service excellence at a provincial level. In this leadership role, you will: ✔️ Support adherence to service standards within your assigned stream ✔️ Collaborate closely with the AAPL and fellow Clinical Leaders—Autism Interprofessional Interventions, Clinical Intake, and Care Coordination—to champion an integrated, family-centred service delivery model ✔️ Contribute to a coordinated, collaborative, and evidence-informed continuum of care for families accessing PPAS This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate, multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving outcomes for young children on the autism spectrum and supporting the families who care for them. External applicants may be eligible for signing bonus and relocation assistance.

We are celebrating National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week (Nov. 10-16) and the vital role NPs play here at IWK and in healthcare across Canada. NPs provide a wide range of direct care services to people at every stage of life. In addition to treating illnesses, they teach individuals and their families about healthy living, preventing disease and managing illness. NPs bring together medical knowledge with the values and skills of nursing. NPs are also leaders, consultants, teachers, and researchers who incorporate new knowledge into their practice. IWK Health proudly employs many NPs working in various practice areas throughout the Children’s and Women’s Health Programs inpatient and outpatient clinical settings as well as in leadership and research roles. The broad scope of NP practice not only enhances access to healthcare but improves the delivery of comprehensive patient care. Join us in recognizing the impacts and honouring the important work done by our fantastic IWK NPs throughout the year. Pictured are IWK Children's Health NPs: Back: L-R: Jennifer Spencer, Mary Stuart, Katy van Vulpen, Tricia Lane, Gina O’Leary, Erin Thibault Front: L-R: Laura Callaghan, Nadine Smith, Kailee McCarron, Kelsey Plouffe, Kayla Carey, Ashley Mowatt Photo by Ryan Wilson IWK Missing: Amanda Bettle, Nichole Helm, Sarah Szego, Mich Briand

Staying warm before, during and after surgery decreases potential surgical risks such as infection, blood loss, and discomfort. Passive warming is a simple way of keeping patients warm throughout their perioperative journey. It works by increasing body temperature and conserving existing heat within the body. Passive warming methods include the use of warm blankets, warm clothing, and maintaining a warm environment. It can be used in conjunction with active warming (like a forced-air warming blanket) to keep patients warm during each stage of surgery. IWK patients and their families are encouraged to bring warm sweaters, hats and socks to their surgery or procedure. Thank you to the Halifax Mooseheads who recently donated over 100 toques to keep IWK patients warm (modelled here by Addy Dodge)!

This week, we celebrate IWK perioperative nurses, those highly skilled professionals who play a vital role in every surgical journey. From the moment a patient enters the operating room to the time they begin recovery, perioperative nurses ensure safety, provide compassionate care, and advocate for the best outcomes. For patients, families, and colleagues their expertise and dedication make a difference every day. Thank you for all that you do, both the seen and unseen, to deliver excellence in surgical care.