IWK Health

National Access Awareness Week is an opportunity for IWK Health to recognize the leadership, expertise, and lived experiences of persons with disabilities, while also confronting the systemic barriers that continue to shape access to care, employment, and participation. Accessibility is not an add-on—it is a fundamental component of quality, safety, and equity in healthcare. At IWK Health, our commitment to accessibility is embedded within our EDIRA strategy and reflected in policies related to accommodation, patient- and family-centred care, and inclusive design. However, we acknowledge that policies alone are not enough. True accessibility requires continuous attention to how our spaces, technologies, communication methods, and attitudes impact those we serve and work alongside. We are guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us,” and we value the voices of persons with disabilities who inform and challenge our work. Whether it is improving physical access, ensuring digital accessibility, or fostering a culture where disclosure and accommodation are met with respect and responsiveness, we are working toward meaningful, sustained change. Our people play a critical role in this progress. By listening, adapting, and advocating, we can move beyond compliance toward a culture where accessibility is anticipated, normalized, and embedded. Thank you to all staff, patients, families, and partners who share their insights and advocate for change. Together, we are building a health system rooted in dignity, respect, and equity for all families every day.

Congratulations to Sarah King on receiving the Excellence in People Centred Care Award which recognizes a staff member who consistently demonstrates exemplary commitment to patient- and family-centred care. Sarah exemplifies excellence in people-centred care through every aspect of her role as Discharge and Continuing Care Liaison at IWK. Across both the Pediatric Medical Unit and women’s care, she consistently ensures that patients and families navigating highly complex medical journeys are supported through safe, thoughtful and coordinated transitions home or to community care. What stands out most is not only her clinical expertise, but her unwavering commitment to showing up for families in the spaces that fall between formal processes. She actively problem-solves alongside clinicians, families and community partners to ensure no patient is left without a clear path forward, regardless of complexity or circumstance. Sarah’s practice reflects all four principles of people-centred care in a deeply integrated way. She upholds integrity and relevance by centring family knowledge in care planning and advocating for shared decision-making at every stage. Her communication is timely, clear and trustworthy, ensuring families and partners feel informed and supported. She advances inclusion by working across units and provinces to ensure equitable access to safe discharge planning and supports. Finally, her humility and commitment to learning are evident in her continuous efforts to improve systems, share knowledge and strengthen care pathways for some of the most medically complex patients. Across all of this, Sarah consistently builds trust, reduces barriers and strengthens the experience of care for families and teams alike. IWK Health recently recognized and celebrated the outstanding contributions of IWK colleagues with All Stars awards. Congratulations to the nominees and recipients and thank you for all you’ve done. We wish you continued enjoyment and success in your work!

At the IWK, midwives play an important role in supporting patient-centred pregnancy and birth experiences grounded in compassion, choice and collaboration. Read how modern midwifery is challenging convention and putting patient wishes first. https://lnkd.in/dFv-Q4hT

Join TREKK's Lisa Knisley, Lisa Hartling, Shannon Scott, and Sarah Elliott on June 4th, 2026, for their presentation "Co-developing child health knowledge mobilization resources with clinicians and parents/families: A JBI gLOCAL Solution Room". This presentation is in partnership with the University of Alberta. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gp-pXUBV

MicroResearch celebrated an important milestone on May 11 as the organization officially became a Dalhousie Research Institute while continuing its longstanding role as an IWK Research Centre. The event recognized the partnership between the IWK Health and Dalhousie University - highlighting the impact MicroResearch has had in communities locally and internationally since its founding in 2008. Co-founded by Dr. Noni MacDonald and Dr. Bob Bortolussi, in collaboration with colleagues in Uganda, MicroResearch supports community-driven research by giving local teams the tools and training to identify and solve issues affecting their own communities. “The MicroResearch Institute will bring people together from three faculties - Medicine, Health, and Agriculture,” explained Dr. Bortolussi. “With their help, MicroResearch will now be able to address the wider needs of people around the world.” MicroResearch has trained more than 1,800 participants across 11 countries and supported projects focused on health, mental wellness, community supports, and other local priorities. In Canada, projects have explored issues ranging from adolescent access to mental health services in Nova Scotia to community health and wellbeing. For example, commercial fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador identified a need for targeted trauma supports since the industry experiences high rates of fatalities which dramatically impact small communities. Dr. Bortolussi emphasized that the organization’s work is rooted in the belief that communities are best positioned to identify solutions that fit their own realities. “We’ve found that local problems need local solutions by local people,” he said. “I’m proud that MicroResearch gives local people the tools (research) to answer questions that allow their brothers and sisters to improve their lives and the lives of those in the community.” Dr. MacDonald highlighted that approach is especially valuable at a time when communities and healthcare systems are facing increasing pressures. “We are in a time of much instability and changing pressures,” she noted. “We indeed need to do more with less, and that is one of the important outcomes of MicroResearch. It’s about finding solutions to community problems that fit the culture, the context and the resources.” As MicroResearch begins this new chapter as a Dalhousie Research Institute, its focus remains on empowering communities to drive meaningful change through locally led research. Pictured: Left to right: Dr. David Anderson, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University; Dr. Krista Jangaard, President and CEO, IWK Health; Dr. Noni MacDonald, Co-founder, MicroResearch and Professor Emerita, Dalhousie University and IWK Health; Dr. Jennifer Bain, Associate Vice-President Research, Dalhousie University; Dr. Bob Bortolussi, Co-founder, MicroResearch and Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University and IWK Health.

🌎🇫🇷 Today I presented at the 60th anniversary conference of the IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization in #Lyon, #France ✈️ I talked about #AYACSM (Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Societal Movement) and the reach and impact of our global community 🙌 This work was made possible thanks to Mount Allison University, Lori Weeks, Billy Paymaster, Maureen Sweet, and our community members around the world IWK Health McGill University Ingram School of Nursing - McGill University Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Dalhousie PhD in Health Argerie Tsimicalis Jennifer Tomes Ian Sutherland Lynne McVey, RN, BSc, MSc, FHCMgt Bruce Crooks #AYACancer Richard Isnor Krista Jangaard OncoDaily

Congratulations to Dr. Scott Halperin on receiving the Canadian Pediatric Society’s 2026 Career Research Award. Dr. Halperin is being recognized with the award for his vaccine-related research, surveillance, and relationship-building in support of public health over many years. His many outstanding achievements encompass laboratory immunology, clinical trials, population-based surveillance, and implementation science, but his leadership in developing and nurturing collaborative surveillance and research networks is second to none and has helped define vaccine policymaking and implementation both in Canada and internationally. The award recognizes the longstanding career of an outstanding and accomplished researcher working on an aspect of paediatric research in Canada. https://lnkd.in/e8Q9hn5c

IWK Health is laying claim to some surgical firsts thanks to the addition of a new piece of imaging equipment that will improve patient care at the hospital.  The O-Arm imaging system was used in a pediatric spinal surgery performed late last month in what was the first ever surgery performed in Canada using the latest version of the equipment, which now combines advanced 3D software with low radiation exposure.   https://lnkd.in/ePx_tAMQ

Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night! The IWK Foundation’s biggest fundraising weekend of the year—the IWK Telethon for Children—kicks off with a spectacular, entertainment-packed Tribute Show which broadcasts on CTV Atlantic on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by Jonathan Torrens and CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly, this entertainment-packed show is lead by musical director Kim Dunn and will feature incredible live performances from Neon Dreams, Wolf Castle, Ian Janes, Joce Reyome, Reeny Smith, Amelia Parker, Funk Unit, and Declan and Ryker Power. 🌟Tune in for a great evening of musical performances, heartwarming moments, and community spirit! 🌟

Today, we join the world in recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. A significant day that was first celebrated in May 2005. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other minority sexual orientations and gender identities. At the heart of this day is the emphasis on protecting the rights and well-being of all individuals. By acknowledging and commemorating this day, we strive to educate one another, challenge and dismantle prejudices, and foster a culture of acceptance, understanding, and respect for all sexual orientations and gender identities. Together, we stand united not just today but throughout the year, actively working towards a world where every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with the dignity, respect, and freedom from violence and discrimination they deserve. We stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ families, communities, and our valued IWK team members who have experienced violence in the form of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia