Enhancing Women and Children’s Care at Aberdeen Hospital

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, May 16, 2025, …. Through targeted investments in maternal and newborn care, the Aberdeen Health Foundation is strengthening services for families in Pictou County by supporting access to high-quality care close to home. Recent support for the Women and Children’s Unit at Aberdeen Hospital is improving patient comfort, enhancing clinical tools, and supporting frontline care delivery.

A key addition to the unit is a new bladder scanner, funded through a $20,000 grant from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation following the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling event held at the Pictou County Wellness Centre in Fall 2023. The grant program supports life-saving equipment for women and children’s units in host communities, with a focus on neonatal care. The Aberdeen Health Foundation administered the grant locally, worked with hospital leadership to identify eligible equipment, and ensured the project met all the Schmirler Foundation’s funding criteria.

The scanner is now in regular use, helping staff detect urinary retention in mothers, newborns, and pediatric patients.

“Before, we had to borrow a scanner from another unit,” says Shawna Chenell, who was Health Services Manager for the Women and Children’s Unit at the time. “Now, having our own makes it easier to provide timely, routine care.”

Urinary retention, while not common, can have serious consequences if left untreated. The scanner helps detect issues early, reduces the need for unnecessary catheterization, and supports more informed care decisions. While funded with newborn care in mind, it has proven helpful for a broader range of patients.

“If a mom is in labour and has an epidural, she might not feel the urge to void,” Shawna explains. “Using the scanner helps us avoid unnecessary catheterization, which can be uncomfortable or distressing. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in how we care for our patients.”

The Labour and Delivery Unit has also been upgraded with two new birthing beds. These beds feature electric height adjustment and other enhancements that support both patient comfort and caregiver safety.

“The added comfort makes a difference, especially for moms with extended stays,” Shawna notes. “Being able to raise or lower the bed with the push of a button really helps staff and caregivers too.”

For newborns requiring jaundice treatment, the Foundation supported the purchase of a BiliSoft Phototherapy Blanket. Unlike traditional phototherapy units that require newborns to remain in an incubator, this newer model allows babies to be swaddled during treatment, so parents can continue to hold and comfort their child while care is delivered.

“This lets parents stay close to their baby during treatment, which can make the experience less stressful,” she adds.

Each of these investments is improving care for women and children in Pictou County. The Foundation works closely with hospital teams to identify priorities and ensure that donor contributions are used where they can make the most meaningful impact.

“The Foundation’s contributions enhance the care we’re able to provide,” says Shawna. “We always aim to offer quality care, but these kinds of investments allow us to do even more for our patients and families.”

 

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The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2024, the Foundation invested over $2.7 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Megan Manuel Murphy
Administrative Coordinator
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4600
Megan.ManuelMurphy@nshealth.ca