Nova Scotia Health puts many elective surgeries and same-day procedures on hold

Cancer and other time-sensitive surgeries will go ahead

HALIFAXtoday\ Meghan Groff

Nova Scotia Health has had to put many elective surgeries and same-day procedures in the Northern and Central zones — which includes the Halifax area — on hold through at least the end of next week.

It says it needs to increase inpatient capacity as it deals with higher than normal emergency visits and demands for hospital beds.

Cancer and other time-sensitive surgeries will go ahead.

“These pressures come at a time when Nova Scotia, like other provinces and territories, is also experiencing considerable staffing challenges, including nursing vacancies, that have been made worse by the pandemic,” says Nova Scotia Health in a news release.

“This situation has required some facilities to close surgical beds, reduce or change OR schedules, delay some surgeries requiring hospital admissions and postpone some non-urgent procedures,” it adds. “The increase in admissions also means that surgical beds must often be used to care for other patients.”

Longer than normal wait times in emergency departments are also expected into the fall.

“Particularly with the increase in COVID-19 cases and admissions now being experienced in the province,” says Nova Scotia Health.

However, anyone experiencing an emergency health situation should still head to their nearest emergency department.

• Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911.
• If your health concern is not urgent, we request you contact a family doctor or go to a walk-in clinic.
• For general health advice and information call 811, a service offered 24/7 by experienced registered nurses.
• The Mental Health Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167.

“We know these past 19 months have been very difficult for everyone and we continue to ask a lot of our staff and physicians,” Nova Scotia Health says.

“We are aware of too many situations where our staff have been subjected to abusive behaviour and language, including personal threats,” it adds. “This is not acceptable and is adding to our staffing recruitment and retention challenges. Please be kind and know that we are here to help.”