This morning (Wenesday, Jan 21) Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Musquodoboit Harbour will be conducting a Code Silver exercise in its emergency department. This is a planned drill to help our staff prepare for emergency scenarios—there is no real threat. Patients and visitors may see actors in neon yellow vests with toy weapons and hear overhead announcements. The exercise is strictly controlled, and all participants will be clearly identified. If you are present and have questions or feel anxious, please speak with a staff member. Thank you for your understanding as we work to keep our hospital safe. #PeopleandCulture #EmergencyPreparedness #CodeSilverDrill
Mock emergency exercise at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
Nova Scotia Health is advising the public that a mock emergency exercise will take place at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Musquodoboit Harbour, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and ensure the safety of patients, staff, physicians, and visitors.
This planned drill is a controlled training exercise designed to help teams practice and strengthen their response to a Code Silver situation (an incident involving a weapon or potential threat). There is no risk to the public.
What to Expect
- Clear signage on-site indicating a mock exercise is in progress.
- Actors wearing neon yellow vests and carrying simulated (toy) weapons to portray the scenario.
- Raised voices or shouting may occur as part of the simulation; no physical contact will take place.
- Observers and evaluators in high‑visibility vests will be present to support safety and answer questions.
- Overhead announcements will clearly identify the event as an exercise only.
- All activity will occur in a controlled and supervised environment.
Patient Care During the Exercise
- Regular hospital operations will continue.
- Emergency care will not be delayed.
- Staff will be available to support any patients or visitors who feel concerned or anxious.
Why This Matters
Practicing Code Silver scenarios helps strengthen our readiness, improves coordination among teams, and supports compliance with provincial emergency management standards. These exercises ensure that in the unlikely event of a real emergency, our teams are trained, confident, and prepared.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of patients, families, visitors, and the broader community as we conduct this important safety exercise.