Good morning, Other Siders! 🍁

Happy Almost-Fall! As leaves start contemplating their annual wardrobe change, we're here to spill the (pumpkin-spiced) tea on healthcare's latest trends.

Whether you're sipping on a latte in Toronto or enjoying maple syrup in Quebec, "The Other Side of the Care" has got the health happenings you need. Because let’s face it, even our healthcare fraternity deserves the latest gossip. Put on your cozy socks, grab that mug, and let's dive in. ☕️

News that impacts you!

🚸 Calgary's Tiny Tummy Outbreak! 🦠

E. coli hits Calgary daycares hard: 231 infected and the count’s still rising. 25 kids and an adult are in hospital. While some daycares have got the green light to reopen, the real tea? It's "highly likely" that a shared central kitchen dished out the contaminated grub. Brett Finlay from UBC reminds us it's a real detective job, 'cause just 10 E. coli microbes can cause the mess. So, when packing lunch, maybe double-check that beef.

🧠 🏡 Therapy on the House in Halifax!

Nova Scotia's stepping up its mental health game. They're investing $4.5M for free mental health services in Halifax, in collaboration with Dalhousie University. Think of it as a boost for those struggling to access care. It's a big leap towards universal mental health, setting an example for the rest of the provinces. For all my Nova Scotians struggling: there's hope on the horizon. 🍁 Think other provinces will catch on? 🤔

💡 Healthcare Housing: Nova Scotia Leads!

Speaking of being on the house- Nova Scotia's got a plan, people! They're turning an old motel in Lunenburg into mixed-income housing for healthcare workers. Goal? Attract and keep more health professionals in the province. Plus, if you're a health worker, you're up on the priority list to rent. And for Lunenburg? Mayor-elect Jamie Myra is calling it a win, especially with the current housing squeeze.

How do you feel about this step towards solving the housing and healthcare staff crisis?

💭Let us know what you think by writing to us at [email protected]

Tools & Tech to Keep a Tab On!

🏥🏠 Fraser Health's Game-Changer: BC's First Virtual Psychiatry Unit

Fraser Health is making waves in healthcare innovation with the launch of BC’s first-ever virtual psychiatry unit. The unit offers eligible patients the opportunity to safely and conveniently receive psychiatric interventions from the comfort of their own homes which transform into virtual hospital rooms. Patients connect with their care team via video chat, phone calls, and messaging. All necessary equipment is provided, and vital signs are remotely monitored. Patients receive 24-hour nursing support, medication management, psychiatric assessments, and collaborative care planning, much like in a traditional hospital. They can also join virtual group sessions for mental well-being. As a testament to its success, the unit has already served approximately 140 patients, with the capacity to support up to eight individuals simultaneously.

 🩺 🔍️ A Beacon of Hope for Healthcare Access in Canada's Black Community

The Black Healthcare Professionals Network has launched an innovative directory of Black healthcare professionals, aiming to provide easier access to high-quality care while understanding unique cultural backgrounds. This directory is set to include a diverse array of experts, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, psychotherapists, dietitians, massage therapists, and more. To ensure the highest standards of care, all providers voluntarily sign up and undergo thorough license verification. Patients can conveniently access contact information for these professionals through the website, fostering direct communication for better healthcare access.

Evolving Global Health

✅ 🥊 YouTube's Fight Against Health Misinformation: Verifying UK Healthcare Professionals 

YouTube has introduced a verification system for healthcare professionals in the UK to combat online disinformation. In 2022, health-related videos were viewed over three billion times in the UK on YouTube. Healthcare workers like doctors, nurses, and psychologists have been applying for this scheme since June and must meet strict criteria set by YouTube to be eligible. Successful applicants will have a badge identifying them as licensed healthcare workers, signifying credibility in their content. However, it's emphasized that this system is meant for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from a healthcare provider. Other social media companies are encouraged to adopt similar practices to combat disinformation.

🎙️ WHO Unveils Ground-breaking Global Initiative for Digital Health Transformation at G20 Summit

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the G20 India presidency have introduced a new Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) during the G20 Health Minister’s Meeting in India. GIDH will be managed by WHO and serve as a network and platform to facilitate the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025. This initiative aims to converge global standards, best practices, and resources to accelerate the transformation of digital health systems. It is seen as a critical step in advancing health outcomes and achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. GIDH will focus on developing investment plans, enhancing transparency in digital health resources, promoting collaboration, supporting governance, and providing technical and financial assistance. Over 120 WHO Member States have developed national digital health policies or strategies, and GIDH seeks to further strengthen and expand these efforts.

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