811

Just three numbers - 8-1-1, and you will have access to non-emergency health information and services. When you call 811, our Registered Nurses will give you the advice and information you need and provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health issues and questions.

Addictions

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

Continuing Care

Continuing Care Services are provided to eligible people who need care outside of the hospital in their home and community. Care can be provided on a long or short-term basis.

Continuing Care Programs and Services include:

Home Care (Nursing, Home Support, Respite and Palliative Care), Long-Term Care (Nursing Home or Residential Care Facility), Home Oxygen Services, Adult Protection Services, Protection for Persons in Care, Aboriginal Continuing Care, Caregiver Benefit Program, Medication Dispenser Assistive Technology Program, HELP-Bed Loan Program, Personal Alert Assistance Program, Self-Managed Care Program,  Supportive Care Program, Specialized Equipment Program (Long Term Care) and Respite Care at home or in Long Term Care.

e-health

Nova Scotia has made significant progress in establishing robust e-health solutions, or information technology systems, across the province to better support the delivery of health care to Nova Scotians.

EHS

Emergency Health Services is responsible for the continual delivery, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of emergency care and out of hospital primary and urgent care through the ground ambulance and LifeFlight service.

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 tosome of the most frequently asked questions about the Nova Scotia Health Card.

Health Services Emergency Management

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

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.

Personal Health Information Act

The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) governs the collection, use, disclosure, retention, disposal and destruction of personal health information.

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.

Primary Health Care

Primary Health Care is where patient-centred care starts. From the first visit to ongoing supports, follow-up and coordination, the goal is safe and quality services for patients and families.

Protection for Persons in Care Act

This Act is an extra safe guard for patients and residents 16 years of age and older who are receiving care from Nova Scotia's hospitals, residential care facilities, nursing homes, homes for the aged or disabled persons under the Homes for Special Care Act, or group homes or residential centres under the Children and Family Services Act.

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.

Quality and Patient Safety

We are committed to continuous quality improvement of the provincial health care system, so that Nova Scotians continue to have access to appropriate, coordinated and safe health care that responds to their needs.

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.

Addictions

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

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.