Care for Women: Patient Spaces and equipment at IWK Health
IWK Health has long been a trusted leader in caring for women across their lifespan. From maternity and reproductive care to gynecologic and breast health services. As the provincial lead for breast screening and a partner in specialized cancer care, the IWK has delivered exceptional care, education, and research for decades.
And as part of a broader health system, we also recognize there is more to do.
- That’s why the IWK is deepening its commitment to accessible, inclusive care in the community through new sites like the Dr. Maria Angwin Memorial Clinic in Dartmouth and the Perinatal and Adult Infusion Centres opening this spring in the North End. These spaces allow the IWK to support women and families closer to where they live and work.
- All women should have a voice in pain management practices— yet for far too long, that simply hasn’t been the reality. Dr. Laura Kennedy, the IWK’s first Impact Fellow focused on women’s pain, is helping turn knowledge into action so women no longer have to endure their pain without the support they need and deserve.
Through the Adult Comfort Promise, the IWK is committed to improving pain care for women’s health procedures. At its core is a powerful commitment: ensuring every woman feels heard, supported and respected, throughout their care experience. As the first hospital in Canada to introduce the Adult Comfort Promise toolkit, the IWK empowers individuals to choose the pain management options that best meet their physical, emotional, and cultural needs.
- We’re also seeing transformation through newly introduced Innovative Patient Navigation. At the Maritime Centre for Pelvic Floor Health, a nurse navigator model is reducing wait times, helping patients access the right care sooner, and avoiding unnecessary surgery, while empowering women with information and choice. It’s a model with clear potential to improve access and equity in other areas of women’s health, including breast health.
- Advanced imaging, like the new state-of-the art pelvic ultrasound system shows the pelvic floor in real time, helping clinicians quickly and accurately assess many conditions that are common, can greatly affect daily life, and are often missed or diagnosed late. Better imaging supports more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, which can lead to less invasive procedures, shorter surgeries, and improved recovery.
This progress is being fueled by people stepping up. A committee of passionate women, through the Orchid Gala, brought together community generosity to raise money for this ultrasound system and other vital pieces of equipment.
Together the IWK, the IWK Foundation and community partners are redefining women’s health by bringing innovation, leadership and compassionate care to the forefront of gynecologic treatment in Canada.