Chats on Change with Karen Oldfield

In this episode of Chats on Change, Karen sits down with acclaimed health journalist André Picard for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of Canada’s healthcare system. As one of the country’s most respected voices on health policy, Picard shares his insights on interprovincial barriers, healthcare funding, workforce challenges, and the need for greater national coordination. The conversation explores innovative approaches happe...

Karen Oldfield welcomes Dave Benoit, CEO of Build Nova Scotia, for a deep dive into the province’s ambitious infrastructure projects.

With a background in military leadership and healthcare planning, Dave shares insights into major developments, including hospital expansions in Cape Breton and the highly anticipated QEII redevelopment. He discusses how these projects are enhancing healthcare accessibility, driving economic growth, ...

Karen sits down with Dr. Julie Maranda, Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person, One Record, to discuss the transformative One Person One Record (OPOR) project. Dr. Maranda, an experienced physician and healthcare leader, shares insights from her extensive career, including past implementations of digital health systems. They explore how OPOR will streamline healthcare across the province by providing a unified digital health...

Karen sits down with Jason Shannon, President of Shannex Inc., a leader in senior living and healthcare services across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Together, they highlight Shannex's innovative initiatives, such as Parkland on the Common, and their groundbreaking new healthcare partnership with Nova Scotia Health - West Bedford Transitional Health.Jason shares insights into creating vibrant, community-oriented spac...

In this episode of Chats on Change, interim CEO Karen Oldfield speaks with Lewis Bedford, Sr. Director of Clinical Networks for Nova Scotia Health’s Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services Network, about transforming diagnostic imaging and its impact on patient care. Lewis shares insights into his four years leading innovation in diagnostic services, focusing on integrating provincial systems to streamline processes for MRIs, CT scans,...

Karen sits down with Scott McKenna, Chief Information Officer, to discuss the transformative impact of digital innovation in healthcare. Scott shares insights into his journey since joining Nova Scotia Health, highlighting the success of the YourHealthNS app, which has already connected over half a million Nova Scotians to vital health resources and records. The conversation delves into the importance of empowering patients with ac...

Karen welcomes Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations at Nova Scotia Health. With over 20 years of medical practice in rural Nova Scotia, Dr. Boutilier shares her journey and insights into driving systemic improvements in healthcare delivery. They discuss the concept of "operational excellence," emphasizing alignment, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement. Dr. ...

Karen Oldfield chats with Leila Bautista, a health promotion student at Dalhousie University, and discusses her role as a Health Ambassador for Nova Scotia Health. Leila, along with seven other students, spent the summer engaging with communities across the province to promote the YourHealthNS app and website. Leila shares her experiences attending community events, offering app demonstrations, and gathering feedback to help Nova S...

In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations, and their special guest, Dr. Jane Philpott. Dr. Philpott, a renowned physician, educator, and former federal cabinet minister. Dr. Philpott shares her expertise on primary care accessibility and discusses her book, "Health for All." Tune in to learn more to learn how Dr. Philpott’s concepts can be applie...

Today Karen sits down with Bethany McCormick and Dr. Aaron Smith, the dynamic co-leaders of Northern Zone. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of rural healthcare, discussing innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives that are reshaping the future of care. From pioneering urgent treatment centers to fostering tight-knit healthcare communities, Bethany and Aaron reveal the transformative power of listening, le...

In this episode, Karen introduces Dr. Annette Elliott Rose, the newly appointed Chief Nurse Executive, and Vice President of Clinical Performance and Professional Practice at Nova Scotia Health. Annette, who recently joined from IWK, discusses her background and journey in nursing, from starting as a maternal newborn nurse to working in Inuit communities in Nunavut. We delve into Annette's extensive experience, including her ro...