Environmental Scan - Government of Nova Scotia

−−Physician Resource PlanningAn Environmental ScanProbably the correct number of GPs but requirement is to practise in a different, integrated modelThree (3) established and successful collaborative care practices – could grow and be the answer tophysician resource shortfalls; however, ongoing resistance by many physicians who are FFS – maynot change until the next generation of physicians is recruited• Critical mass−−−−Oncology services provided in Moncton and HalifaxBreast surgery is referred out of districtThyroid surgery performed in CHA by ENTColorectal surgery performed locally – need to examine service volumes• Medical Education−−Relationship with Faculty of Medicine is maintained as a supportive teaching site for familymedicine and cross-appointments for some specialistsBelief that Dalhousie has not been producing enough generalists in any discipline• Specific Disciplines− Neonatal care standards need to be elevated throughout the province− Two (2) General Internists – requires use of locum tenens to ensure continuous coverage –expensive model – optimal coverage would be four (4) General Internists – could be three (3) FFSand a semi-retired fourth with an interest in any of Haematology, Respirology, Rheumatology− ICU coverage is for 24 hours, during which time that Internist does not have an office practice− ENT from CEHHA and PCHA comes to Amherst – without the ENT service volume, it would be verydifficult to retain adequate Anaesthesia coverage in CHA− Urology goes to Truro− Orthopaedic Surgery goes to New Glasgow− Stable specialties are ENT (2), General Surgery (2 + 0.5), Anaesthesia (3-4), and part-timeOphthalmology (from HRM)− Deficient in community palliative care− Deficient in geriatric and psycho-geriatric care− Current Obstetrics complement is 1.5 with decreasing involvement by family doctors suggestingenough work for two (2) Obstetricians – current 180 deliveries will likely rise to 250 throughrepatriation after epidural service is introduced shortly− No Paediatrician in CHA and none planned – paediatric services are provided in Moncton and Truro− Recommend northern shared chronic pain services for CHA, CEHHA, and PCHASupplementary Documents1. Letters from Dr.’s Gradstein, Moss, Szczesny2. Physician contact list3. CHA Strategic Plan4. CHA Services and Population HealthBackground Data162 | Page Social Sector Metrics Inc. & Health Intelligence Inc. | 12/31/2011