HALIFAX - Cheryl Smith of Amherst is one of three members appointed to an expert advisory panel to look for ways to improve the quality of long-term care in Nova Scotia.
Smith, a doctor of nursing practice, is a primary health care nurse practitioner working for Nova Scotia Health Authority with a primary focus on seniors' health in community and long-term care settings.
She is actively involved with the Canadian Deprescribing Network, Suggested Optimization of Medications for the Frail Elderly Polypharmacy, College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia, Nurse Practitioner Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Health Ethics Network and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Board.
In addition, as an educator, Smith has taught multiple topics to diverse health providers and is currently affiliated with Dalhousie University and Athabasca University in Alberta.
Also on the panel are Janice Keefe from Mount Saint Vincent University and Dr. Greg Archibald a family doctor, would care expect and head of Dalhousie University’s Department of Family Medicine
Their work will include identifying evidence-based solutions to improve quality of care in long-term care facilities, recommending appropriate staffing levels, staff complement and skill mix for long-term care facilities and advising on the recruitment and retention of long-term care staff.
In reviewing quality of care, there will be a focus on matters such as proper wound care, patient and worker safety, and appropriate care and protection of vulnerable persons.
The panel has been asked to report back with recommendations by Nov. 30.
There are about 6,900 nursing home beds and 900 residential care facility beds in Nova Scotia that serve about 11,000 people each year.
