Area health care ‘looking up’—Minister

Speaking at Monday’s official opening of a new 13-bed restorative care unit at Digby General Hospital, d’Entremont agreed Digby has faced health care recruitment challenges and that things have not always been easy.

“I also know that thanks to the spirit of this community, the good work of your local officials, and the determination of the district health authority, we have turned a corner and are on the road to better days.”

The minister said the health system faces challenges across Canada, and that although Nova Scotia has more doctors per capita that any other province, “I also know that those doctors are not always in the places where we most need them. You’ve felt the reality of that.”

D’Entremont said many recent efforts to attract health care providers to the province have been successful and that his department will continue to work with health districts to aggressively recruit new doctors.

As well, more physician training spots will be added to medical schools that require new doctors to serve in rural areas.

He said the province is aware it will continue to face recruitment challenges, so is also looking for other solutions. The health department has begun a national advertising campaign telling health care professionals across the country that Nova Scotia is a wonderful place to live and practice.

The new restorative care unit is designed to allow a fuller recovery for patients who have suffered stroke or orthopedic care.

South West Health and Annapolis Valley Health are partners in the unit, along with the province’s health department. The joint endeavor represents provincial funding of about $1 million in annual operating costs and $421,000 in one-time capital costs.

Cathy Blades, vice-president of clinical care with South West Health, said the new unit brings a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitative care, combining physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, dietary, pharmacy, social work, nursing and physicians.

“The exciting thing for me is not only are many individuals being admitted to the unit, but they are also going home,” said Blades.

South West Health chair Ron Horrocks noted the unit has been getting outstanding support from Digby doctors John Black, Mark Bander, Paula Carmichael and Ron Matsusaki who have committed to supporting the unit.

“Each of these physicians provide this support because they are committed to supporting the patients served by this unit,” said Horrocks. The doctors have added this role in addition to busy office practices and ER shifts.

Horrocks also acknowledged the work of the Digby and Area Health Services Charitable Foundation, which contributed 25 per cent of the construction costs of this project.