Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team expands access to care by welcoming nurse practitioner

Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team expands access to care by welcoming nurse practitioner

Residents across Colchester, East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou will soon have even greater access to primary healthcare services with the addition of a nurse practitioner to the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team.

The permanent addition marks an important milestone for the team as it continues to expand services and bring care closer to home for people living in rural communities.

With a goal of providing comprehensive care to rural areas, the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team travels around rural communities offering primary healthcare, resources, information and other services to help improve the overall well-being of their patients and help them navigate the healthcare system effectively.

The strength of this team lies in its multidisciplinary approach to health. In addition to the new nurse practitioner, the team includes a family practice nurse, an emotional wellness counsellor, pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, administrative support staff and a mobile unit driver.  

Through collaboration, the team provides a well-rounded service that addresses both the physical and emotional health of their patients.

Since launching in January 2024, the team has been helping reduce barriers to care by meeting people where they are, whether at a community centre, library, fire hall, farmers market or other local gathering place. Their flexible model allows patients to access a range of health and wellness supports closer to home.

The addition of a nurse practitioner will further enhance the team's ability to provide comprehensive, community-based care.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team, helping expand access to care for people throughout Colchester, East Hants, Pictou and Cumberland," said nurse practitioner Tamara Lawson. "This team is doing incredible and innovative work by bringing healthcare directly into communities and making it easier for people to get the support they need. I'm looking forward to working alongside such a skilled and compassionate group of professionals and helping patients access timely, high-quality care closer to home."

Nurse practitioners play an important role in the healthcare system by providing assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests. This expertise will allow the team to offer an even broader range of services to patients in rural communities.

For Chelsea Atwin, Health Services Lead, the addition represents a significant step forward in strengthening community healthcare services.

"The addition of a nurse practitioner is a tremendous enhancement to our team and to the communities we serve," said Atwin."Access to primary care remains a challenge for many people living in rural areas, and having a nurse practitioner as a permanent member of our team allows us to provide more comprehensive care directly within the communities we visit. This addition will help us meet more patient needs, improve access to assessments and treatment, and continue building meaningful relationships with the people who rely on our services."

As the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team continues to grow, so does its ability to support healthier communities and connect residents with the care and resources they need.

For more information about the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team, including upcoming dates, times and locations where the nurse practitioner and other team members will be available, visit https://www.nshealth.ca/clinics-programs-and-services/northern-zone-mob…;