www.northwood.care
A Community Paper sharing the stories of the largest not-for-profit continuing care organization in Atlantic Canada SPRING 2021
Volume 03, Issue 01
COVID-19 Vaccinations
in full swing at Northwood In December 2020, Northwood received a call that our Long-Term Care (LTC) staff were eligible to be among the first health care workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Because Northwood sites were identified to treat residents in place if a COVID-19 positive case occurred, we were one of the first LTC facilities to be notified and allotted up to 310 doses of the vaccine. Members of the Northwood management leadership team came together and completed a randomized call out to all direct care providers. Northwood forwarded over 200 names to receive the vaccination. The vaccine eligibility was later expanded to designated caregivers and in total 308 members of the Northwood LTC community were
offered vaccinations at the NSH clinics. Northwood was also one of the first LTC facilities to be able to offer the vaccination to residents, staff and designated caregivers on site. The process included developing a consent process, determining vaccinators, organizing clinic logistics and ensuring accuracy of vaccination documentation. The first 50 residents were vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine in early 2021 and by mid-January 90% of residents in Halifax and Bedford had receive their first vaccination dose. We were very fortunate to have the assistance of Dr. Shelly McNeil, Division Head/Service Chief for the Division of Infectious Diseases NSH, to facilitate a group of physicians who volunteered to vaccinate over
230 designated caregivers. Northwood staff were able to attend these clinics as well and with the Occupational Health clinics we have vaccinated over 250 staff in house. We thank everyone for participating in the vaccination program and continue to encourage those who have
African Heritage Page 2 Month
Celebrating Bell Let’s Talk Day Page 5
NSCAD Student's Art from the Heart Page 6
not chosen the opportunity to be vaccinated to consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The more people who chose to be vaccinated, the safer and stronger our communities will become and the sooner we can ease restrictions.
Bedford Campus Page 6 Gardening