First transitional health centre in N.S. prepares to welcome patients

Nova Scotia Health’s first transitional health centre, the West Bedford Transitional Health Centre, is set to open its doors to patients on Tuesday. This new facility aims to cater to patients who are not yet ready to be discharged but no longer require the intense level of care provided in acute care beds.

Dr. Christy Bussey, the medical executive director for the central zone, highlighted the issue of patients staying in acute care beds for extended periods, leading to a decline in their health condition. She emphasized the importance of addressing mobility challenges faced by patients to prevent prolonged hospital stays. The West Bedford Transitional Health Centre will focus on helping patients maintain and improve their skills through targeted care.

Bussey pointed out that hospitals are not always conducive to recovery, as patients may feel isolated in acute care settings. The new facility aims to reduce the medicalization of patients by offering a more supportive and restorative environment. By transitioning patients to this center, Nova Scotia Health hopes to free up acute care beds for more critical cases, thereby alleviating pressure on overall bed capacity.

The center will be led by a team of three nurse practitioners with support from visiting physicians. Patients aged 18 and over will be referred to the facility, with plans to accommodate 68 individuals within the next three months. This move is expected to improve emergency department and ambulance offload wait times while boosting morale for both patients and healthcare staff.

Shannex, the owner of the building housing the transitional health center, is set to open a 110-bed facility adjacent to the current center in 2026. This expansion signifies a new era of collaboration between Nova Scotia Health and Shannex, with a focus on providing necessary support to ensure patients can return home successfully and avoid readmission to the hospital.

Overall, the West Bedford Transitional Health Centre represents a proactive approach to addressing prolonged hospital stays and improving patient outcomes. By offering specialized care tailored to individual needs, this facility marks a significant step towards enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Nova Scotia.