Primary Health

The Primary Health portfolio provides leadership to strengthen the work of all IWK programs in providing primary health care to women, children, youth and families.

Emphasis is placed on understanding the health status of the population and the needs of the communities we serve. We actively build relationships with the community – learning and gaining an understanding from communities of what they need from the IWK and how the IWK can provide support. Support is provided by working with others within the IWK and from community organizations to ensure seamless care across the health care system.

The Primary Health portfolio provides a combination of direct services and programs as well as support for health promotion and prevention initiatives across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.  

The following is an outline of the teams, programs and initiatives that fall within the Primary Health portfolio. Please visit the links to learn more:

Bilingual Services – Bilingual Services provides invaluable support to French-speaking families visiting the Health Centre, and coordinates the translation of patient materials to a variety of languages.

Community Health Teams – The Community Health Team is a community health model that focuses on the promotion of health and wellness. Community Health Teams are led by Primary Health at the IWK Health Centre in partnership with Nova Scotia Health Authority Central Zone. In particular, Primary Health at the IWK is leading initiatives related to parenting and youth engagement, two areas of need that were identified during community consultations.

Diversity and Inclusion – Diversity and Inclusion is committed to working with IWK staff, physicians, volunteers and the community to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients and families.

Healthy Habits, Healthy Families - Primary Health provides information and resources to promote and support health for children and families at home and in the community.

prideHealth – The prideHealth program is a Capital Health program, in partnership with the IWK, which supports access to safe and accessible health care services for people from our communities who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ).

You're in Charge - a pediatric self-management program that prepares youth to initiate self-management for their chronic condition, while supporting parents and siblings during this transition.