On behalf of Nova Scotia Health, we welcome you to explore the updates to our Accessibility Plan.
We have taken up the call to action in Nova Scotia’s accessibility legislation and provincial goals. We believe that our workplaces and communities are enriched through diversity. Through this plan, we aim to recognize the contributions of all people with disabilities. We have identified priority actions that will help us become more accessible care environments and workplaces.
The 2026-2029 Accessibility Plan is part of our ongoing work as prescribed public sector bodies under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act and identified in Access by Design 2030. Our plan focuses on six key accessibility standard areas. It sets expectations, identifies roles and responsibilities, and provides planning guidance.
On behalf of Nova Scotia Health, we welcome you to explore the updates to our Accessibility Plan.
We have taken up the call to action in Nova Scotia’s accessibility legislation and provincial goals. We believe that our workplaces and communities are enriched through diversity. Through this plan, we aim to recognize the contributions of all people with disabilities. We have identified priority actions that will help us become more accessible care environments and workplaces.
The 2026-2029 Accessibility Plan is part of our ongoing work as prescribed public sector bodies under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act and identified in Access by Design 2030. Our plan focuses on six key accessibility standard areas. It sets expectations, identifies roles and responsibilities, and provides planning guidance.
Why is there not a safe non smoking enterance area in front on Infirmary on Summer Street. I have seen up to a dozen smokers there at one time including yesterday and even one just a few meters from automatic front door. Security do nothing to address it.
Safe air space should be part of accessibility to health care services.
Donna
asked
4 months ago
While Nova Scotia Health hospitals and care centres have a Smoke and Tobacco Reduction Policy and are required to follow the Smoke Free Places Act, patients and loved ones often smoke on sidewalks near facility entrances. Smoking and vaping in these areas exposes staff, visitors, and patients to second-hand smoke.
Teams frequently remind patients and visitors that Nova Scotia Health has been smoke-free for over 20 years, and redirect people who smoke away to a designated smoking area. However, the matter is complex.
As part of our Smoke and Tobaccos Reduction Policy, patients who are nicotine dependent are offered nicotine replacement and smoking cessation education upon admission. That said, we also recognized that tobacco/nicotine use is an addiction. People living with addiction need specialized care to stop smoking that includes individualized withdrawal protocols.
Nova Scotia is not complacent about the dangers of smoking, or second-hand smoke, and we are also mindful that for many to end or moderate their tobacco use also requires health care and/or health services.
Using identity-first language or person-first language is a personal choice. We encourage readers to identify themselves in the way they prefer. Recognizing that there is more than one way for people to identify themselves, the Accessibility plans and this site will use both identity-first language and person-first language. We respect and value the choices each one of us makes.
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