February 2014

Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, one of our medical officers of health, received the annual Public Health Champion Award from the Public Health Association of Nova Scotia.  The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment and innovation in improving the health of Nova .Scotians. Gaynor  is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the role public health can play in advancing health equity. Her influence extends beyond Nova Scotia, as she and the team at Public Health Services have been generous in sharing their challenges and achievements with others from across the country so the public health community can learn from our experiences here at Capital Health.

Peter MacDougall has accepted the position of acting Health Services Director for QEII – Halifax Infirmary Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery, Medical Teaching Unit (MTU), Community Health Unit (CHU), In-patient Trauma Services, Respiratory Services and Ambulatory Services located at the Victoria General Site.  .

Rachel Boehm has just been awarded the Certified Health Executive (CHE) after working on this the past few years. It comes from the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL), formerly known as the Canadian College of Health Service Executives (CCHSE). This is a national, member-driven, non-profit association dedicated to ensuring that the country’s health system benefits from capable, competent and effective leadership. Certification is recognized as a national standard of professionalism.  

Nicole Brooks has joined Public Health as Communications Advisor. She has worked with Communications Nova Scotia (Health & Wellness) and with both private and public sector agencies; as well, she has volunteered in a number of not-for-profit organizations including the Halifax Sexual Health Centre and Fusion Halifax.  

Drs. Alex Soroceanu and Nathan Urquhart have been selected as the Canadian Orthopaedic Association’s 2014 Canadian-French-Belgian-Swiss (CFBS) Travelling Fellows.  Dr. Soroceanu is currently completing a spine fellowship at the NYU Hospital for joint diseases, while Dr. Urquhart is an extended-term locum at Dartmouth General Hospital and pursing research in hip and shoulder arthroscopy. They will both visit various orthopaedic centres in France, Belgium and Switzerland this fall.

Kudos for Basia Solarz who not only convocated in December as a graduate of St. F.X. University with a Masters in Adult Education, but who also was awarded  the inaugural Audrey Fenwick Memorial Award for Excellence in the Study of Adult Education.   

Congratulations to the cast and crew of It's a Capital East Coast Christmas on December sold-out run of shows at the Neptune Studio Theatre. The Capital Health Players have received rave reviews on the show, including:

“A few of my friends and I attended Friday night!  EXCELLENT job!!! Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and had great belly laughs!” - Cynthia Fox, Payroll and Benefits

“Nothing short of me saying you all made my Christmas!!! The East coast Christmas play WAS my nutcracker!!!” - Sherida Flemming, Employee Health

Cast and crew extend special thanks to Dan Steeves, writer and director.

And congratulations to the following winners in our prize draws for this year’s flu vaccine campaign.

  • Naomi Buckland-Nicks – General Draw  500 Air Miles
  • Celia Hodder – General Draw -$40
  • Leo Lefort – Flu Champion Draw - $40
  • Sue Lowthers – Flu Champion with most immunizations – 500 Air Miles
  • Raphaelle Theriault  - General Draw -$40
  • Lucas Thorne-Humphrey Grand Prize Winner – 1500 Air  Miles
  • Lollie Verge – General Draw – 500 Air Miles