IWK Health

IWK Health Passionately pursuing a healthy future for women, children, youth and families.

The IWK Health page is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used in any emergency situation. If you require emergency help please call 911 or go to the emergency department closest to you. If you are experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis: Call 902.429.8167 or 1.888.429.8167 (toll-free) for the Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team. We welcome your comments on Facebook but before you post on our page, please ensure you do not include personal information or photos of others without their consent.

11/14/2025

H5N1 (also called bird flu or avian influenza 🐔) mostly infects animals but can sometimes infect people in close contact with them.

A vaccine approved for use in Canada may be given to people at the highest risk of exposure, such as farmers or veterinarians. We want to better understand how long to wait between two doses to get stronger protection.

If you’re:

✅ a healthy adult between the ages of 18-59;
✅ not pregnant;
✅ willing to receive 2 vaccines and one saltwater injection;
✅ able to attend in-person clinic visits in Halifax;

you may be able to help!

Find more details about the study at bit.ly/CCfV_H5N1

We are celebrating National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week (Nov. 10-16) and the vital role NPs play here at IWK and in hea...
11/14/2025

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 disc...
11/13/2025

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 surg...
11/13/2025

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.

The IWK Department of Dentistry proudly celebrates Kathy Summer and Fonda Marchand, who together bring over 50 years of ...
11/12/2025

The IWK Department of Dentistry proudly celebrates Kathy Summer and Fonda Marchand, who together bring over 50 years of dedication, compassion, and excellence to our team (Kathy 20+ years, Fonda 30+ years). On June 14, 2025, they were honoured with the Don Pamenter Friend of Dentistry Award for their outstanding commitment to patient care, advocacy, and compassion.

As long-time dental assistants and coordinators for operating room bookings, Kathy and Fonda consistently go above and beyond to ensure that children with complex medical, dental, and social needs receive the care they deserve. Their kindness, persistence, and trauma-informed approach make an incredible difference for families facing significant challenges.

Beyond their daily work, Kathy and Fonda have mentored countless new dental assistants, shaping the next generation of compassionate caregivers. They are tireless advocates for families, often connecting with social workers and community supports to remove barriers to care.

Kathy and Fonda embody the very best of the IWK’s values of compassion, advocacy, and excellence in patient and family-centered care. Their dedication ensures that every child can smile, eat, and live without pain.

Congratulations, Kathy and Fonda, on this well-deserved recognition!

Children’s Grief Awareness Day is November 20, and we are hosting a virtual event for children and youth ages 7-15.Novem...
11/12/2025

Children’s Grief Awareness Day is November 20, and we are hosting a virtual event for children and youth ages 7-15.

November 20 6:30-7:30 pm
Invited: Children & Youth 7-15 years old
Hosted by: IWK Bereavement Services & Child Life
What to expect: Grief support, resources, & an activity

Please register in advance! This is a virtual event open to children and youth across the Maritimes.
To register email BereavementServices@iwk.nshealth.ca

As we move into viral respiratory season IWK Health is updating masking guidance to enhance protection for all.Starting ...
11/10/2025

As we move into viral respiratory season IWK Health is updating masking guidance to enhance protection for all.

Starting Wednesday, November 12th, masks will be required by all patients, staff, and visitors upon entering the IWK Health facility on University Avenue. Masks must be worn in all public spaces and in all areas where patient care is provided (inpatient & ambulatory settings).

Masks will be available at all entrances.

Together we can keep everyone safe — thank you for your cooperation.

https://iwkhealth.ca/patient-and-visitor-guide/what-expect-when-you-arrive

If you are a parent of a child with complex medical needs, you are invited to join us on Thursday December 11th, 20257:0...
11/08/2025

If you are a parent of a child with complex medical needs, you are invited to join us on

Thursday December 11th, 2025
7:00 -8:30 pm

Our Parent Group is an informal meeting where parents can share tips and tricks of caring for their child with complex special needs!

Interested in attending?
Please email Jackie Pidduck at jacklynn.pidduck@iwk.nshealth.ca

Please note to receive the Zoom link, we will ask you to review the virtual group guidelines that will be emailed to you, to provide the address of where you will be during the meeting and a contact number in case of emergency.

“I’ve seen firsthand how unmanaged or undertreated pain can negatively affect recovery, satisfaction, and overall outcom...
11/07/2025

“I’ve seen firsthand how unmanaged or undertreated pain can negatively affect recovery, satisfaction, and overall outcomes for both patients and staff,” says Krista Naugler, Professional Practice Leader, Coordinator, & Child Life Specialist, Child Life Services. “By working together, we can drive meaningful practice changes and help ensure that new, evidence-based approaches to pain management are not only understood but also actively incorporated into care. Being a pain champion allows me to contribute to this change while promoting a culture that prioritizes both compassion and clinical excellence.”

As a Professional Practice Leader Naugler has a strong focus on optimizing the scopes of practice of those professions working in Child Life Services, including child life specialists, child life workers, the therapeutic clown and music therapist.

“Being a pain champion has created meaningful opportunities for our Child Life team to share and collaborate on initiatives that directly support our ChildKind certification,” says Naugler. “It has brought greater awareness to the vital work our team does as we strive to provide the best possible support for children and families. Additionally, it has given me valuable insight into the efforts of other members of the interdisciplinary and research teams, opening the door to new networks and collaborations that ultimately strengthen our collective approach to pain management.”

“Pain champions help drive practice change at the IWK that directly enhances the care experience for patients and families,” says Naugler. “They support the development and implementation of new resources aimed at improving pain management, comfort positioning and coping plans for patients having procedures. These changes contribute to more positive healthcare experiences, increased trust, and ultimately, better outcomes for the children and families we serve!”

The IWK is committed to doing everything we can to prevent and treat pain through our Comfort Promises. IWK Pain Champions lead the way in using proven pain management methods and help create a culture that prioritizes comfort and care for all ages.

National Pain Awareness Week (November 2-8, 2025) is dedicated to raising awareness about chronic pain, its widespread impact, and the need for better access to care.

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5850/5980 University Avenue
Halifax, NS
B3H1V7

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Our Story

The IWK Health Centre provides quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes and beyond.

In addition to providing highly specialized (tertiary) care, the IWK also provides primary care services.

The IWK is engaged in leading-edge research; works to promote healthy lifestyles for families; and supports education opportunities for health professionals and other learners.

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