Nova Scotia Health (NSH) is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, the largest adult health sciences centre in Atlantic Canada, and one of Canada’s top research centres.
Our workforce of more than 22,000 provides health care and support services in hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province, and some specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. Last year alone, we had more than 70,000 surgeries take place in our operating rooms, performed over one million diagnostic imaging exams, and more than 560,000 people visited our emergency rooms. Our team of health professionals includes employees, doctors, researchers, learners, and volunteers.
We have career opportunities in communities across Nova Scotia for people who share our mission—working together to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning.
Four zones of health care (and coastal lifestyle)
Nova Scotia Health’s facilities are organized by zone, with four zones across the province—Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western. Each zone has its own communities, health care facilities, and personality. But uniting them all is a common thread of warm hospitality and a love for the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Central Zone
From the modern yet historic city of Halifax, to the rugged and wild Eastern Shore, this region of Nova Scotia is a compelling study of contrasts. The largest city east of Montreal, Halifax is the cosmopolitan centre, bursting with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. But just a short trip out of the city, the allure of nature envelopes you. Imagine dinner and the theatre at night, surfing and hiking the next morning. As the academic and professional centre of the province, Halifax is home to the largest adult academic health sciences centre in Atlantic Canada—The QEII—among many other facilities. And just outside of the city of Halifax, you’ll discover charming and tight-knit communities with bustling main streets, engaged residents, and a lifestyle that’s deeply connected to nature.
Explore all of the central zone’s communities and health facilities in the Zone Map below.
Eastern Zone
Failte (that’s “welcome”, for those not up to speed on their Gaelic)! Nova Scotia’s eastern zone is the centre of Atlantic Canada’s rich Gaelic culture. Kitchen parties are a way of life here, and you’re never far from the Highlands that inspired the region’s first immigrants to name the province New Scotland. Here, the view of a lifetime lives around every corner, and the friendliest people live in every community. Hike, cycle, swim, golf—all in an almost unreal beauty. This part of the province is home to two regional hospitals, located in Antigonish and Sydney, 11 community hospitals, and one Collaborative Emergency Centre serving towns nestled between the mountains and the sea.
Explore all of the eastern zone’s communities and health facilities in the Zone Map below.
Northern Zone
Spanning from the warm water beaches of the Northumberland Straight to the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, the northern zone features the province’s best downhill skiing, festivals and events galore, and a terroir ideal for the production of wine and other agriculture. Here, vibrant seaside and riverside towns and villages of all sizes attract residents and visitors with their serene lifestyle, close-knit community, and natural beauty. This area of the province is home to three regional hospitals, located in Amherst, Truro, and New Glasgow, two community health centres, and four community hospitals with Collaborative Emergency Centres. Both Truro and Amherst hospitals were built to be models of efficiency, featuring lots of light, outdoor living space, and modern workspaces.
Explore all of the northern zone’s communities and health facilities in the Zone Map below.
Western Zone
The best of the land matched with the best of the sea. Of anywhere in Nova Scotia, the western zone may best represent this wonderfully intriguing—and tasty—marriage. Between the countless lighthouses that dot the coastline, authentic fishing villages bring in their catch. And thanks to the valley’s fertile soil, there’s always a bounty of fresh produce to accompany your just-caught seafood. The western zone is home to three regional hospitals—in Bridgewater, Yarmouth, and Kentville—five community hospitals, two community health centres and one Collaborative Emergency Centre. Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville is the regional referral centre for Annapolis Valley and beyond, offering a wide range of health care services, including medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, intensive care, emergency, psychiatry, and addictions.
Explore all of the western zone’s communities and health facilities in the Zone Map below.