Strengthening community care through VON in Pictou County

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, January 16, 2026, …. From advanced nursing tools to interactive technology for dementia care, a recent investment from the Aberdeen Health Foundation is helping the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) deliver safer, more efficient, more compassionate care across Pictou County.

Through this funding, VON has added several new tools to its Community Nursing Clinic and community programs, including six Clarius multipurpose ultrasound scanners, nine pulse oximeters, three assessment carts, several large-volume smart pumps, and an interactive dementia projection system for the Adult Day Program.

“These are pieces of equipment that our teams either didn’t have before, or that will significantly enhance what we’re able to do in Pictou County,” said Carol Curley, Associate Vice-President for VON Canada. “The support from the Aberdeen Health Foundation has really allowed us to take another step forward in how we deliver care.”

Photo caption: Clients in the VON Adult Day Program explore a new interactive dementia projection system, part of a broader $138,000 investment by the Aberdeen Health Foundation. The funding supports a range of new equipment for VON programs and services across Pictou County, strengthening community-based care close to home.

At VON’s Community Nursing Clinic, the new Clarius ultrasound scanners allow nurses to perform ultrasound-guided IV insertions, improving first-attempt success rates, reducing discomfort, and extending how long each IV can safely remain in place. “These scanners mean fewer needle pokes, fewer complications, and faster, more comfortable treatment for our clients,” said Curley. “They also build nurses’ confidence and skills, which we know is great for professional development and retention.”

The clinic also received additional smart infusion pumps, which automatically deliver IV medications at precise rates. “They’re the same pumps used in Nova Scotia Health facilities,” Curley explained. “They make medication delivery safer, reduce manual calculations, and free up nurses’ time to focus on clients. In home care, if a nurse can set up an infusion pump for a client, this could reduce visits from three times a day to once a day, which is a huge efficiency.”

The pulse oximeters and assessment carts support the clinic’s day-to-day work, allowing nurses to quickly monitor oxygen levels and move equipment easily between stations. 

“Tools such as the pumps and oximeters are easily used in both clinic or home,” said Curley. “They help us bring equipment where it’s needed, easing the burden on clients and families who often struggle to access the care they need due to transportation barriers.”

One of the most unique additions supported by the Foundation is an interactive dementia projection system for VON’s Adult Day Program. The system projects light, colour, and interactive games onto a table or wall, creating a sensory and cognitive experience for people living with dementia. “It’s an amazing tool,” said Curley. “It promotes engagement, reduces agitation, and brings moments of joy and calm for our clients.”

“We have a client who struggled with traditional games, because she felt the need to constantly clean up the pieces. With this projection system, there are no physical pieces on the table, so she is able to relax and engage with the game. It has made the experience so much more enjoyable for her and everyone around her.” The technology has also created a safer environment for clients who might otherwise put physical items in their mouths, eliminating that risk entirely.

Curley said that investments like this demonstrate how important it is to support health care close to home. “Community-based health care brings care to where people live,” she said. “It’s more accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant. It improves access, prevention, and early intervention, and it helps keep hospital resources available for those who need them most.”

When asked about the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, Carol reflected on both her career and her community. “I’ve lived and worked in Pictou County for more than 30 years, and I’m so proud of what this Foundation continues to do,” she said. “It’s been a vital contributor to our local health system. The fact that it’s been here for four decades shows just how strong the community’s commitment is. That kind of sustained support doesn’t happen everywhere. It’s something really special.”

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2025, the Foundation invested over $3 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:
Michelle Ferris
Executive Director
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4442
Michelle.Ferris@nshealth.ca