How care team assistant Kelly MacGillivary supports patients and providers in Glace Bay

In a busy primary care clinic, the behind-the-scenes moments can make the biggest difference in patient care. For Kelly MacGillivary, a care team assistant at the Glace Bay primary care clinic, those moments begin before most people arrive for the day.

“I’m usually the first one in,” she says. “I start by checking the vaccine fridge temperatures, reviewing my schedule, and getting everything set up so the day flows smoothly.” From stocking exam rooms to preparing layouts in the electronic medical record (EMR) system, Kelly takes on essential tasks that allow providers to spend more time focusing on their patients.

Kelly stepped into the care team assistant role in January, but her healthcare career spans nearly 25 years. Originally trained as a continuing care assistant, she worked across various departments from home care to radiology as a committed team player ready to lend a hand wherever needed. Now, as a care team assistant, Kelly feels like she’s found her perfect fit in the healthcare system.

“This has absolutely been my favourite role,” she says. “And I hope to stay right here until retirement.”

Kelly’s contributions have helped streamline clinic operations in noticeable ways. By handling pre-visit tasks like checking vital signs, she reduces overall appointment times and improves patient flow. She also assists providers with procedures like diabetic foot checks and pap tests, supports equipment ordering, performs monthly inspections, and manages supply inventory. This kind of team-based support has been especially important during times when provider capacity has been limited.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. “The nurses and nurse practitioners tell me how much they appreciate what I do,” she says. “It makes coming to work feel so positive.”

That sense of connection extends to the patients, too. With her warm demeanour and attention to detail, Kelly puts people at ease, especially patients who feel anxious about their visits. “Some patients come in with high blood pressure just from nerves,” she says. “I’ll take the time to talk with them, check their blood pressure again, and if needed, I’ll do a follow-up after their appointment.”

Kelly makes sure that providers walk into the exam room with all the information they need so patients feel heard, prepared, and supported. “Patients enjoy chatting with me before the appointment,” Kelly says. “And when they go in to see the provider, all the little stuff is already done. It gives them more time to focus on what matters.”

The success of the care team assistant role in Glace Bay reflects a growing recognition across Nova Scotia Health of the critical support that care team assistants provide in primary care settings. They enhance clinic operations, contribute to improved patient flow, and allow other providers to focus more fully on direct care.

For Kelly, the role is the result of a long healthcare career marked by a strong work ethic, adaptability and commitment to patient-centred care. Her experience, reliability and positive effect on patients have made her a key part of the Glace Bay clinic team. And her contributions continue to support better outcomes for both patients and providers alike. 

“I enjoy helping others and this is where I’m meant to be.”

Photo of Kelly MacGillivray.