Noel Pendergast, NSCRT President, was contacted recently to provide some information to Mary Jane Hampton , host of CBC Radio's Health Hacks for an upcoming segment on Respiratory Therapists and their contribution in the fight against COVID. The segment aired April 27, 2021. Please follow the link below to listen to the segment.
1. 2024-2025 License Renewal: Opens February 5, 2024. Last date to renew without late penality is March 15, 2024. Instructions can be found HERE.
2. Nova Scotia Health Lung Screening Program launched:
Phase one of Nova Scotia Health’s Lung Screening Program was launched this morning. It is now available in Central Zone communities and will gradually be phased in across the province.
The Lung Screening Program has three components: information about preventing lung cancer, tobacco cessation information and supports for current smokers who want to stop smoking, and for those determined to be at very high risk for the disease, screening for lung cancer using a low-dose CT scan.
Nova Scotians, who live in Central Zone communities, are between 50 and 74, and have a current or former daily smoking history of 20 years or more may self-refer by calling 1-833-505-LUNG (5864). Primary care providers may also refer their patients.
Individuals who meet the age and smoking history criteria will be scheduled for telephone assessment with a nurse navigator to determine the individual’s personal level of risk for lung cancer. The assessment includes questions about the individual’s smoking history and current smoking status. Current smokers will be offered information about available tobacco cessation supports and referred to Tobacco Free Nova Scotia if they are interested in quitting.
Those who are determined to be at very high risk for lung cancer will have a conversation with a nurse navigator about the benefits and risks of having a CT scan. The nurse will answer their questions and book the scan if the individual chooses to have one.