Supporting inclusive emergency care through partnership

Earlier this year, self-advocates from Summer Street Industries delivered a powerful workshop for emergency department staff at Aberdeen Hospital. They shared their personal experiences navigating the healthcare system as people with diverse abilities — highlighting barriers, communication gaps, and ways to make care more compassionate and accessible.

In a continued effort to strengthen inclusive healthcare, a team of emergency department nurses from Aberdeen Hospital recently visited Summer Street to return the exchange. They delivered a presentation tailored for clients and families, aimed at helping them better understand what to expect during an emergency department (ED) visit.

The session covered topics like the triage process, wait times, assessments, and how patients and caregivers can prepare for a visit. The team emphasized that care is provided based on the urgency of symptoms, not on a first-come, first-served basis. They also provided valuable tips if the attendees ever need to go to the emergency department: Bring comfort items, speak up about their needs, and request adjustments when needed.

“If the lights are too bright or the environment is too noisy, we want to know,” said registered nurse Aran MacDonald. “Small things can make a big difference.”

They also shared practical tips — such as bringing a list of medications and previous diagnoses — to help staff offer more personalized care. The team explained that questions may be asked more than once to ensure safety and accuracy, not because staff aren’t paying attention.

The presentation included a behind-the-scenes look at how the emergency department operates. Licensed practical nurse Candace Brown stressed that patients have a right to ask questions, request explanations and say when something doesn’t feel right.

“We want to get it right,” said registered nurse Laura Crockett. “And we want people to feel comfortable telling us what they need.”

This was the second time the Aberdeen ED team has offered this session at Summer Street. Future plans include more shared learning opportunities, such as sessions on diabetes care, navigating health services, and ongoing staff development shaped by first-hand experiences.

By working together to break down barriers and build understanding, Summer Street and Nova Scotia Health are creating a healthcare system that’s more responsive, inclusive and informed by the people it serves.

Summer Street is a respected New Glasgow-based organization that creates inclusive opportunities for people with diverse abilities. Its participants are skilled in self-advocacy and offer valuable insights that continue to inform staff training and patient education. To learn more about Summer Street, visit summerstreet.ca.

Photo of Aberdeen Hospital ED team presenters Merrilee Spears, Aran MacDonald, Laura Crocket and Candace Brown with Summer Street participants.