HALIFAX/EAST HANTS: Nova Scotia is taking targeted action to enhance breast screening, menopause care, gynecology and other services for women, while strengthening co-ordination of women’s healthcare across the system.
That includes:
– a strategic push to increase access to breast screening services and reduce wait times
– the new Menopause Centre of Excellence, to be located in Spryfield, expected to open in winter 2026-27
– a new Women’s Health Research and Innovation Grant to support new ideas to improve care for women, with an initial focus on menopause care
– an education co-ordinator to help improve understanding of menopause among health providers, educators and the public.
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A new Women’s Health Summit will hold its first meeting this fall and will bring together community organizations, advocates, patients, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to help shape future priorities.
The government is also creating the provincial Women’s Health Clinical Collaborative and a dedicated Women’s Health Program within the Department of Health and Wellness.
“Women have told us more action is needed to improve access to the health services they need,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness.
“These new initiatives will ensure women’s health remains a priority, while bringing together the expertise needed to make meaningful improvements for women today and into the future.”
The Women’s Health Clinical Collaborative will develop a road map for a more co-ordinated, efficient and sustainable women’s health system. It will include representatives from Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health and the Department of Health and Wellness.
The Women’s Health Program and Women’s Health Clinical Collaborative will provide stronger provincial leadership, oversight and accountability for women’s health initiatives and system planning.
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Quotes:
“Today is another important step forward for women’s health and another step closer to opening the Menopause Centre of Excellence.
By integrating evidence-based menopause care, education and research within a co-ordinated centre of excellence, we can improve access, reduce disparities and ensure that mid-life women receive timely, high-quality care and support.”Â
— Shawna O’Hearn, co-founder, Menopause Society of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
– the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite opened at Dartmouth General Hospital in February 2025 and is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada to bring urology, gynecology and pelvic floor therapy services to one clinic
– the Dr. Maria Angwin Memorial – Wyse Road Health Clinic opened in June 2025 and provides primary care services and specialty women’s health services such as gynecology, urogynecology and obstetrics.
