Pugwash Healthcare Emerging from Shadows
Open and sincere communication wins again as officials from Nova Scotia Health hosted a public meeting at the Pugwash High School last night.
The meeting was called to clear the air and dispel myths and rumours about the style of healthcare delivery to expect in the new hospital now nearing completion in Pugwash.
The facility will open in spring, on budget, at just over $25 million. Much of the construction is done but the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and the transfer of patients and staff remain.
Demolition of the former hospital, which will become the parking lot, will be the final step after the new facility is in operation.
An appreciative audience was told the new hospital will continue to offer a collaborative emergency department, calming fears that the facility might change to an urgent care model such as the one at the South Cumberland Hospital in Parrsboro. In fact, the Vice-President of the Northern Health Zone said there had been come public confusion between Pugwash and Parrsboro. Bethany McCormick says no change is planned and if change was deemed necessary, it would not happen without further public consultation.
Dr. Aaron Smith, head of physician recruiting for the zone, said the search to fill local rosters has been very challenging. However, the plain talking doctor said there have been some recent encouraging developments.
Smith pointed to genuine and creative efforts to open the licensing process to Nova Scotia doctors who trained outside the country and a much easier process to physicians in other provinces, especially in Atlantic Canada.
When audience members were invited to ask questions, many came from people without a family doctor. It became clear that a new safety net of services was taking the sting and fear away, at least a little. NS Health has added a whole slew of new options to find care, including care provided by nurse practitioners, pharmacists, mobile clinics, and a virtual care service provided by video link.
The creative proposals are not intended to replace physician services but will give options until staffing levels can be rebuilt to meet public demand.
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