Shelburne County Health Team Expands

More people in Shelburne County now have access to primary healthcare closer to home.

Six new healthcare professionals have joined the Shelburne Family Practice team in the past year.

“The addition of six primary healthcare providers will increase access for patients from Lockeport to Clark’s Harbour as we continue to build on access for patients in the healthcare system throughout the county,” said Nolan Young, MLA for Shelburne, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “The team will provide care at clinics across Shelburne County to ensure that we are reducing the barriers that patients experience when they must travel to access care.”

The collaborative family practice team provides a “health home,” where patients receive comprehensive care from a team made up of doctors or nurse practitioners working with other healthcare professionals like pharmacists, dietitians and social workers.

The Shelburne Family Practice team now has five family physicians, five nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, a licensed practical nurse, a social worker and six administrative staff. It also includes the Shelburne Diabetes Centre, which has its own registered nurse and dietitian.

The expanded team will serve clinics in Shelburne, Lockeport, Clark’s Harbour and Barrington. Patients who currently travel from the latter three communities to the Shelburne clinic can speak with their care provider about making appointments in their home community.

In Clark’s Harbour, people without a primary care provider can contact the practice to book an appointment the same week in their community, based on capacity.

In addition to the expanded team, a family practice nurse was hired in March to support patients at the Barrington Community Health Centre.

Health homes provide the care Nova Scotians need and deserve and are part of Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare.

Quotes:
“Being able to provide primary healthcare services closer to home for residents of Lockeport and Clark’s Harbour would not be possible without the strong partnerships we have fostered with local municipal units and provincial representatives.” 
— Jo-Anne Wentzell, Director, Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management, Nova Scotia Health

“The Shelburne Family Practice team is dedicated to working together to provide the best care for our patients and people across Shelburne County. As a team, we have been able to grow and add a more diverse selection of healthcare providers to offer more comprehensive care in more communities. Since the team has grown, we are providing more services at the clinics in Lockeport and Clark’s Harbour, as well as enhancing the services we have been providing in Barrington.” 
— Angelina Demings, nurse practitioner, Shelburne Family Practice

Quick Facts:
- there are more than 100 collaborative family practice teams in Nova Scotia
- in May 2023, the Province announced $17 million to expand access to primary healthcare by supporting new clinics and strengthening others across the province