‘New level to crisis’ Psychiatry resources in Pictou County temporarily unavailable as doctor leaves
Psychiatry resources are temporarily unavailable in Pictou County.
Kristen Lipscombe, senior adviser for media relations for the Nova Scotia Health Authority, confirmed Dr. Theresa Vienneau has stepped away from her role as Psychiatry Department head, Northern Zone.
“This position co-leads the administration of Mental Health and Addictions for Northern Zone with the director, Robert Graham,” Lipscombe said in an email response. “We are actively recruiting for this important physician leadership position.”
The availability of psychiatry resources is a challenge for many parts of the province, she said, and the Department of Health is continuing work to fill positions.
“While psychiatrists have important roles in our larger mental health teams, we know not every patient needs to see a psychiatrist, or is referred to a psychiatrist every time,” she said. “Other mental health professionals as well as primary care physicians can help support and see patients.”
During the absence of the usual psychiatry services, members of the Mental Health and Addictions crisis intervention team will continue to triage and treat patients in the Aberdeen Hospital Emergency Department.
“Our Mental Health and Addictions programs and services continue to provide quality and compassionate care and support to patients and families,” Lipscombe said. “This includes one-to-one therapy and group therapy.”
Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane, who is also serving as Progressive Conservative Party leader, said she has heard from several of her constituents who are concerned about the situation.
“What has happened because of it, I have to say, is we just brought a whole new level to the crisis in Pictou County that already exists,” she said.
MacFarlane said she was disappointed with Health Minister Randy Delorey’s response to her question in the legislature to him about the issue. He said that Pictou County is not alone when it comes to lack of psychiatry services because the Halifax area and the IWK are also low in numbers in this area of medicine.
“I understand this is a provincial issue, but what I am hearing is that those who are seeking help from a psychiatrist are now being sent to Truro, Halifax, Yarmouth and Sydney.”
MacFarlane said mental health patients should have the same services available to them as those requiring other medical treatment.
“Mental health shouldn’t be treated any differently,” she said. “I want to ensure the resources are there. We are not giving up on it. Something has to change and we know that is not going to happen under the Liberal government.”
Robert Brooks is one person who has expressed concern. He has had ongoing mental health struggles, but said he feels abandoned by the province with what he believes is a continuing decline in care available.
In the past, when the Aberdeen Hospital had rooms available in a short-term-stay mental health unit, he was able to go there and get the help he needed locally. Now he said people facing a similar situation are sent to other parts of the province.
The loss of a psychiatrist is just another example to him of how the system is failing.
“When is it going to be enough for people?” he said.
Lipscombe said the Nova Scotia Health Authority is encouraging people in need of service to call 902-755-1288 and a member of the intake team will talk with them about their needs. The provincial 24/7 Telephone Crisis Line is also available toll free at 1-888-429-8167.
“We continue to recruit both locum and permanent physicians to assist with short-term needs and to fill long-standing vacancies,” she said.