Michelle Thompson, CEO, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish, was elected president of the Continuing Care Association of Nova Scotia at its Virtual Annual General Meeting on June 25, 2020. Thompson is a graduate of St. Martha’s School of Nursing and St Francis Xavier University Distance Nursing Program. She holds a BSc in Nursing and a Master of Education (Counselling) Degree from Acadia University. Throughout her 28-year career she has worked in long-term care, critical care, acute care, public health, school health, mental health nursing instruction and has held a variety of leadership roles in both Nova Scotia and Scotland.
Board Executive
At the AGM, Lee Kelly was elected as the Association’s new recording secretary. Kelly is Administrator for the Milford Haven Home for Special Care in Guysborough, NS. She has a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) from St. Francis Xavier University. Sue Wyse, Sunshine Personal Home Care Inc. will continue as vice president and Della Boyle, Townsview Estates, continues as treasurer.
Reflections 2019-2020
Members of CCANS joined the virtual AGM from across Nova Scotia to reflect on a year of challenges and innovations in the sector. With a mandate to encourage professional development and capacity building, CCANS awarded over $8000 in educational bursaries to staff members in the sector furthering their education and for skill and professional development initiatives for sector members.
Under the leadership of president Sheila Peck, CCANS continued to support the work of the Expert Panel on Long-Term Care and remained actively involved and engaged at sector advisory tables to ensure the voice of CCANS members was heard. In 2020 CCANS worked to shine a spotlight on the care, compassion and courage of its members in the face of COVID-19. In June a member survey was conducted to better understand the pressures and challenges faced by CCANS members through the first wave of the pandemic and identify the innovations that emerged. These lessons learned will help inform planning for a second wave of the virus together with the provincial government and Nova Scotia Health Authority.
Special thanks
After four years, Sheila Peck has retired from her role as president of the Association and remains past-president with the CCANS Board of Directors. Members acknowledged, with gratitude, her commitment, care and perseverance as a voice for the sector and a champion for their work to serve our province’s most vulnerable citizens.
CCANS offers members a voice and a venue to facilitate positive change and the best possible care and homes for seniors, vulnerable populations, and their families. CCANS is a professional sector association representing long-term care facilities, residential care facilities, and group homes in Nova Scotia. CCANS is committed to leadership, collaboration, open communication and advocacy.
For more information contact:
Heather Spidell
9024995027
Hspidell@gmail.com