NRP 9th Edition Update - The official launch of the NRP 9th edition in Canada is June 1st, 2025. NRP instructors across the province will be transitioning to the 9th edition from June 1 – August 1st, 2026. There will be automatic RQI updates during that time and any non-started 8th edition RQI activities will be automatically updated to the 9th edition. Learners will have 60 days to finish any 8th edition NRP exam in progress. All NRP providers across Canada are expected to be updated with the 9th edition materials by January 2027. Please stay tuned for NRP Instructor webinars in RCP’s June e-News.
Important Update from the Rh Program of Nova Scotia:
Rh immune globulin when required for appropriate indications at over 12 weeks gestation is now being given at the Adult Infusion Clinic located at the IWK. The Infusion Clinic phone number for bookings is 902-470-6576. The Rh Program has also communicated this change in location to health care providers. Note: Rh immune globulin is no longer being given in the IWK Obstetrical Day Unit (ODU).
The Rh Program is available to address your questions regarding the management of Rh-negative pregnancies and/or those complicated by antibodies. Please reach out to the Rh Program for assistance when reviewing Laboratory results found within the Provider Portal. Rh Program Contact: (902) 470-6458
OPOR Provider Portal for Community Providers - The One Person One Record (OPOR) Provider Portal is a clinical viewer (read only) for clinical care providers that has been integrated with the new Clinical Information System (CIS). The Provider Portal is currently live and provides enhanced functionality and new features to support patient care in preparation for provincial implementation of the CIS.
Registration for Provider Portal is now open. Depending on your role, the registration process varies. For more information and details on how to request access click here. Please note: Provider Portal access is strictly limited to individuals who provide direct clinical care. If your role does not involve delivering clinical care, you do not require access and therefore should not be requested / granted.
Providers are encouraged to become familiar with the system ahead of the CIS implementation, to get comfortable with using this technology. It is also an excellent tool for providers who work in zones not yet using the OPOR-CIS as it shows information from sites that are fully implemented.
If you have questions about OPOR or the Provider Portal, please email: opor@nshealth.ca
Flora’s Walk 2026 - We are proud to highlight Flora’s Walk Nova Scotia, a meaningful event that took place across our province this month.
On May 9th communities came together in Bridgewater, Windsor, Halifax, Truro, and Sydney for the 5th annual Flora’s Walk, Canada’s largest fundraiser for perinatal mental health. Named in memory of Flora, a mother who tragically died in 2022 from untreated postpartum psychosis, these walks raise vital awareness, reduce stigma and advocate for better access to perinatal mental health supports. Events like this remind us that no parent should walk alone through the challenges of pregnancy, birth or the postpartum period. Thank you to all who participated, organized, or supported these local walks. Your efforts help build compassionate and responsive perinatal heath care throughout our province.
Survivors of Abuse Recovering (SOAR) - Survivors of Abuse Recovering (SOAR) is a community-based peer support service for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. SOAR is a registered charitable organization, is in Kentville, and serves the province of Nova Scotia.
Peer support is not clinical therapy, but it can complement professional care by offering connection, understanding, and practical support from someone who has been through similar experiences. A history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can influence how someone experiences pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and parenting. A referral to SOAR can enhance care for pregnant and new parents, particularly those with a history of trauma through:
● Lived experience support to build trust and rapport through shared understanding
● Helping reduce isolation and normalize experiences
● Providing a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that emphasizes choice, safety, and empowerment
● Offering additional support during a vulnerable time such as pregnancy and postpartum
● Assisting individuals in navigating services and accessing community resources
For more information, to refer and/or get help click here.
Smart Parent Pilot Extended - The SmartParent pilot program has been extended for an additional year. SmartParent is a free evidence-based text messaging program that sends information to support a healthy pregnancy and birth, timed and tailored to the specific stage of pregnancy. Please continue to support the pilot extension in sharing details of this valuable prenatal resource with colleagues, patients, and families. Additional information is available for parents on the IWK website and for care providers on the SmartParent website. SmartParent also provides posters which can be downloaded and posted in public spaces and online. Please encourage your perinatal patients and clients to sign up for SmartParent so they can benefit from the information shared throughout this transformational time in their lives. Enrollment can be completed by texting the keyword ‘Baby’ to 12323 or by going to www.smartparent.ca and clicking ‘Enroll Now’.
Professional/Health-related Upcoming Awareness Events/Days:
Awareness events—whether they be days, weeks or months—are a great tool to promote your profession or advocate for a health-related cause.
May
- Red Shirt Day (for accessibility) - May 27
- World No Tobacco Day — May 31
- National Nursing Week — May 11–17
- National Biomed/Clinical Engineering Week — May 18–24
- National AccessAbility Week — May 31–June 6
- Asian Heritage Month
- Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
- Brain Tumour Awareness Month
- Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
- Celiac Awareness Month
- Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
- National Physiotherapy Month
- Speech and Hearing Month
- Vision Health Month
Feel free to share the RCP’s e-News with your colleagues.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the RCP office at rcp@iwk.nshealth.ca.
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