Improved Orthopedic Services for Northern Nova Scotia

People in northern Nova Scotia now have better access to orthopedic services such as specialized examinations or knee, hip and shoulder replacements. The Pictou County District Health Authority recently recruited two orthopedic surgeons, allowing it to restart and expand the orthopedic program at the Aberdeen Regional Hospital.

"The district was successful in recruiting the surgeons, and we're pleased to provide them the support they need to sustain this program," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "The new service will improve access times, lessening demand on programs in Halifax and Kentville."

Mr. Muir said the program responds to a clearly defined need in the area. The clinical services planning process introduced last February supports having an orthopedic program in an area with this population base and demand.

"The Pictou area is one of three designated centres for orthopedic services outside metro," he said. Inpatient orthopedic programs are available at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and Dartmouth General Hospital, the Cape Breton Regional Healthcare Complex in Sydney and the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. There are also two satellite clinics, in Bridgewater and Yarmouth.

The program at the Aberdeen will serve an estimated 120,000 people in Pictou County and the neighbouring districts of Colchester East Hants, Cumberland, and Guysborough Antigonish- Straight.

"Physicians in this area are happy to see the return of orthopedic services," said Dr. Spencer Barclay, Chief of Staff for the Pictou County District Health Authority. "Patients from the area had been travelling to Halifax or Kentville for care. The return of orthopedics means better access for the entire northern part of the province and will result in shorter wait times and greater patient comfort."

The Aberdeen Regional Hospital has been operating an orthopedic program with one surgeon since the late 1980s. During that time, there have been interruptions in services when no surgeon was available. The program began operating again in December, after an eight-month closure.

"We view this program as essential to our overall services and we are grateful for the support of the Department of Health and the Hospital Foundation," said Patrick Flinn, CEO of the Pictou County District Health Authority. "The foundation contributed over $88,000 towards the purchase of specialized orthopedic equipment for the unit."

The expanded orthopedic program will cost an additional $1.6 million. One surgeon started on Dec. 1, and a second is expected to begin practice in February. The district health authority continues to recruit for a third surgeon.