The changes, which took effect on Friday, will allow some employees to return to work faster after a positive COVID-19 test and stay at work even if a member of their household tests positive. “These changes address the growing staffing crisis in the healthcare system, while continuing to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 being introduced into our facilities,” Brendan Elliott, a spokesman for the health authority, said in an email. Nearly 800 workers have been out of work since Thursday because they tested positive for COVID-19, had close contact with a positive case or were awaiting test results. Staff shortages once again affect the ability to provide services, with some surgeries and procedures having to be delayed. The QEII Center for Health Sciences in Halifax said Friday that most optional and non-emergency surgeries will be canceled from Monday. The QEII said the measure is necessary because of the growing number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and the worsening staff shortage.
New protocol for close contacts
From Friday, Nova Scotia Health employees with a booster dose who are in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case in their home, but are not positive themselves, will be able to stay at work as long as they comply with certain restrictions. They include the use of personal protective equipment at all times in the workplace, the use of a mask at all times, unless you are alone in the room, the test twice a day and the rapid antigen test at least every 48 hours. Previously, employees had to miss three working days and take a negative test and have no symptoms before returning. This requirement will continue to apply to employees without a reminder. People who test positive for COVID-19 will be able to return to work after seven days off, instead of 10, provided they have no symptoms.
The system needs to be adapted, says the Minister of Health
Public health and government officials, including Prime Minister Tim Houston, have spoken in recent weeks to learn how to live with COVID-19, while noting that high rates of the disease are still circulating. The latest figures from Public Health on Thursday showed an average of almost 600 new cases a day. Health Secretary Michelle Thompson said this shows why it is important for people to use masks and keep their personal circles small whenever possible, even though public health restrictions have been lifted. As people try to learn to live with COVID-19, the minister said the healthcare system also needs to be adapted so that patients do not get sick anymore as they wait for treatment for other issues. Doctors have previously expressed concerns about the effect of system interruptions on cancer patients, for example, some of whom have been postponed treatment only to worsen their condition by the time they could be treated. “It is very difficult when there are barriers to doing your job as a healthcare worker,” said Thompson, who worked as a registered nurse and long-term caregiver before entering politics. “It’s a balance. We want to support healthcare workers and we want to give Nova Scotians the care they need in a timely manner, and that is part of our transition to a different phase of the pandemic.”
“An important step”
Thompson said it remains to be seen what impact the change in protocols will have, although she expects to help boost the workforce struggling to meet demand. “We believe it is an important step in keeping things moving in the healthcare system,” she said in an interview with Province House. A spokesman for the IWK Health Center said there were no changes to the work-in-progress protocols for employees there. As of Thursday, there were 157 people out of work at Halifax Children’s Hospital. The spokesman said the hospital would continue to balance the best ways to maintain clinical services with safety for patients, families and health care workers.
title: “Nova Scotia Health Makes Changes To Address Growing Staffing Crisis Due To Covid 19 " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-21” author: “Rita Cutler”
The changes, which took effect on Friday, will allow some employees to return to work faster after a positive COVID-19 test and stay at work even if a member of their household tests positive. “These changes address the growing staffing crisis in the healthcare system, while continuing to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 being introduced into our facilities,” Brendan Elliott, a spokesman for the health authority, said in an email. Nearly 800 workers have been out of work since Thursday because they tested positive for COVID-19, had close contact with a positive case or were awaiting test results. Staff shortages once again affect the ability to provide services, with some surgeries and procedures having to be delayed. The QEII Center for Health Sciences in Halifax said Friday that most optional and non-emergency surgeries will be canceled from Monday. The QEII said the measure is necessary because of the growing number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and the worsening staff shortage.
New protocol for close contacts
From Friday, Nova Scotia Health employees with a booster dose who are in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case in their home, but are not positive themselves, will be able to stay at work as long as they comply with certain restrictions. They include the use of personal protective equipment at all times in the workplace, the use of a mask at all times, unless you are alone in the room, the test twice a day and the rapid antigen test at least every 48 hours. Previously, employees had to miss three working days and take a negative test and have no symptoms before returning. This requirement will continue to apply to employees without a reminder. People who test positive for COVID-19 will be able to return to work after seven days off, instead of 10, provided they have no symptoms.
The system needs to be adapted, says the Minister of Health
Public health and government officials, including Prime Minister Tim Houston, have spoken in recent weeks to learn how to live with COVID-19, while noting that high rates of the disease are still circulating. The latest figures from Public Health on Thursday showed an average of almost 600 new cases a day. Health Secretary Michelle Thompson said this shows why it is important for people to use masks and keep their personal circles small whenever possible, even though public health restrictions have been lifted. As people try to learn to live with COVID-19, the minister said the healthcare system also needs to be adapted so that patients do not get sick anymore as they wait for treatment for other issues. Doctors have previously expressed concerns about the effect of system interruptions on cancer patients, for example, some of whom have been postponed treatment only to worsen their condition by the time they could be treated. “It is very difficult when there are barriers to doing your job as a healthcare worker,” said Thompson, who worked as a registered nurse and long-term caregiver before entering politics. “It’s a balance. We want to support healthcare workers and we want to give Nova Scotians the care they need in a timely manner, and that is part of our transition to a different phase of the pandemic.”
“An important step”
Thompson said it remains to be seen what impact the change in protocols will have, although she expects to help boost the workforce struggling to meet demand. “We believe it is an important step in keeping things moving in the healthcare system,” she said in an interview with Province House. A spokesman for the IWK Health Center said there were no changes to the work-in-progress protocols for employees there. As of Thursday, there were 157 people out of work at Halifax Children’s Hospital. The spokesman said the hospital would continue to balance the best ways to maintain clinical services with safety for patients, families and health care workers.
