From Intake to Recovery: Mental Health and Addictions Services, Closer to Our Communities

What is a Physician Assistant?

What does it take to improve access to care, reduce surgical wait times, and get patients back on their feet - literally? In this episode of Chats on Change, guest host Dr. Todd Howlett is joined by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Brendan O’Neill and physician assistant Stephanie Konway from Dartmouth General Hospital. Together, they share how with the care and expertise of physician assistants, patients can be assessed sooner and move more quickly toward surgery and recovery. Physician assistants are a growing part of Nova Scotia Health’s care teams, working alongside physicians to expand capacity, improve patient flow and strengthen continuity of care. In orthopaedics, that means faster assessments, more coordinated care, and helping patients get back on their feet sooner. Hear how this collaborative approach is making a difference for patients — and what it means for the future of care in Nova Scotia.

Black Women's Leadership in the Public Sector with the Honourable Twila Grosse

In celebration of African Heritage Month, guest host Candace Thomas, Nova Scotia Health’s Vice President of Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, sits down with the Honourable Twila Grosse [https://nslegislature.ca/members/profiles/twila-rose-grosse], Nova Scotia’s Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Minister of the Public Service Commission. Together, they share an honest conversation about identity, representation and the realities of leading as Black women in the public sector. From navigating expectations and public scrutiny to carrying the responsibility of “see it to be it,” this episode explores what leadership looks like when it is rooted in community, resilience and hope. Links: * Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia [https://bccns.com/] * African Nova Scotian Affairs [https://www.novascotia.ca/government/african-nova-scotian-affairs] Have a question or suggestion for a future guest? Email podcasts@nshealth.ca

From Intake to Recovery: Mental Health and Addictions Services, Closer to Our Communities

Chats on Change welcomes back special guest host, Bethany McCormick, who will have a conversation with Dr. Dave Martell, Sarah Janes and Alanna Blanchard from Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program [ Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addiction Services program]. Together, they will discuss the how our organization is expanding access to treatment and services for Nova Scotians. Do you have a question or comment about we discussed, or a suggestion for our next guest? E-mail podcasts@nshealth.ca [podcast@nshealth.ca]. What is a Recovery Support Centre? * Recovery Support Centres (RSCs) provide accessible, supportive environments for adults seeking assistance with substance use and gambling issues, offering outpatient withdrawal management and harm reduction services. What is a Mental Health Day Hospital? * Mental Health Day Hospitals – located in Halifax, Sydney, Kentville, and Truro – offer intensive group and individual therapy for those needing more support than what is available at community clinics, transitioning from, or avoiding inpatient care. What is a Central Intake Service? * Provincial Intake supports Nova Scotians in accessing mental health and addictions care by providing timely access to intake assessment, service navigation and brief intervention support.       * To self-refer: prebooking.nshealth.ca [http://prebooking.nshealth.ca/], through theYourHealthNS [yourhealthns.ca] app, or through the provincial toll-free number at 1-855-922-1122 * Hours: Monday to Friday (including weekday holidays): 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  * Extended Hours: Tuesday & Thursday until 8 p.m.  * Weekends: On-call clinicians are available to respond to urgent requests.

Loss and Connection: Finding Community in Grief

Chats on Change welcomes special guest host, Vice President Bethany McCormick, for a moving and human conversation about grief, emotional wellness, and community with guests Lindsay Sutherland, Director of the Nova Scotia Palliative Care Network, and Tim Guest, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Hospice and Palliative Care Association. The Nova Scotia Grief Alliance is a province-wide initiative focused on improving grief support through education, resources, and collaboration. Launched inApril, [https://www.nshealth.ca/news-and-notices/new-grief-alliance-aims-equip-nova-scotians-valuable-supports] it is co-led by the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association and Nova Scotia Health. The NS Grief Alliance connects individuals and organizations to share best practices and learn together. Links: Nova Scotia Grief Alliance [⁠www.nsgriefalliance.com⁠ ] – A network for individuals and organizations working in grief support. NSHPCA Healing Pathways-Grieving Well [⁠www.grievingwell.nshpca.ca] – A place to find local and online resources to support you in your grief and wellness. Life Changes [⁠www.nshealth.ca/lifechanges⁠ ] – A variety of resources and navigation points for grief, bereavement, trauma, and resiliency. The Knowledge Collaborative [⁠www.mha.nshealth.ca/knowledge-collaborative⁠ ] – A free education for non-profit community-based service providers providing mental health and addictions supports and/or services in Nova Scotia.

Tenzr Health: Changing the Rehab Game

Join Karen in conversation with Gautam Sadarangani, President and COO/CTO of Tenzr Health [https://www.tenzrhealth.com/], and Natalie Thornley, Interdisciplinary Clinical Leader at the Acquired Brain Injury Program. Together, they explore how gamified rehabilitation is transforming patient care. Learn how Nova Scotia Health became the first in Canada to use Tenzr’s digital, connected therapy platform to keep patients engaged and clinicians informed, all while improving recovery outcomes.Links: * Tenzr Health changing the rehabilitation game for therapists and patients [https://innovationhub.nshealth.ca/news-and-updates/tenzr-health-changing-rehabilitation-game-therapists-and-patients] * Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub [https://innovationhub.nshealth.ca/]