A doctor in Cape Breton has raised concerns about the future of pain management in eastern Nova Scotia due to inadequate resources provided by the provincial health authority to address patient symptoms. Dr. Robert MacNeill, a specialist at a Sydney pain clinic within the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, emphasized the challenges faced in delivering care to patients across the region.
The clinic, which accommodates approximately 4,000 patient visits annually, serves not only Cape Breton but also Antigonish, Pictou, and Guysborough. However, a second pain clinic in North Sydney had to reduce some services following the departure of one of its doctors. Despite this setback, the clinic continues to offer pain-relief injections to existing patients.
Patients from North Sydney requiring non-infusion therapies are now being referred to the Sydney clinic for assessment and ongoing care or assistance with their medications. Dr. MacNeill, who serves as the medical director for chronic pain services in Nova Scotia Health’s eastern zone, acknowledged the challenges posed by long waitlists for patients seeking specialized care.
The waitlist to access Dr. MacNeill’s pain services currently spans approximately three years. With three pain specialists and two family physicians at the Sydney clinic, MacNeill expressed the need for additional staffing, including another doctor, increased physiotherapy and psychology services, and a nurse practitioner to enhance patient care.
Nova Scotia Health confirmed the departure of a pain specialist overseeing the North Sydney clinic in late August, leading to uncertainties about the number of affected patients. Cathy Lynn Howley, the director of perioperative and pain services for Nova Scotia Health’s eastern zone, highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts for more pain specialists at the Sydney clinic. Additionally, the clinic is set to welcome a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist in the upcoming year to expand services.
Dr. MacNeill emphasized the challenges in resource allocation in Cape Breton since the amalgamation of regional health authorities in 2015. He advocated for localized decision-making in healthcare to facilitate prompt adjustments such as staffing and equipment acquisitions based on regional needs.
The concerns raised by Dr. MacNeill underscore the importance of addressing resource gaps and improving pain management services to meet the growing demand for specialized care in eastern Nova Scotia.
