Parent of child with rare form of epilepsy distressed over N.S. ER closures
Kristen Hayes' son has a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, a condition that began with seizures when he was eight months old.
Sometimes, 12-year-old Lukas’ seizures spike a high fever and he needs help at a hospital.
“In those instances, we really feel like we need to be somewhere if there is that immediate help if necessary,” says Hayes.
Hayes lives close to the hospital in Yarmouth, N.S., but she says that twice in the past month, her son has been taken by ambulance to the emergency room there, only to be left waiting.
Four weeks ago, he had three seizures and a high fever, and was rushed to hospital. During the trip, Hayes says paramedics had to administer rescue medication on her son after he had a fourth seizure.
She says when the ambulance arrived, it was turned away because there wasn’t enough staff to care for him. Hayes says it was only with the advocacy of a paramedic that the hospital took him in.
Then last Friday, her son had a seizure at summer camp. The camp called 911, and again Lukas was taken to hospital. There, Hayes says she couldn't believe the wait.
“We went in and the paramedics had to stay with us for probably close to two hours before he was able to be put into a room to be seen by a doctor.”
Her greatest fear, is that Dravet Syndrome can result in what's known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
She says the pandemic and being in a rural area are both no excuse for a system left strained and under-staffed.
“As a parent of a child with epilepsy, or any other health conditions, it's really hard to think that they might not receive the help that they need because it's not available nearby,” says Hayes.
Nova Scotia Health's website shows a long list of temporary emergency department closures throughout the province -- some overnight and others for several days.
The health authority says it comes down to lack of staff caused by COVID-19, summer vacation time, and vacancies.
“We continue to really focus our efforts on recruitment and retention so that we can really minimize any surface disruption across the zone and the province,” says Alyson Lamb, the executive director for the Western Zone.
The Western Zone’s medical director, Dr. Cheryl Pugh, says they often shift staff around to make sure areas are covered, and that paramedics and other services are part of the equation.
“There are always care providers available to provide care, they may not be immediately in your community but there is ability to access emergency services,” she says.
Lamb encourages Nova Scotians who need emergency medical help to call 911 or head to the nearest available emergency department.
In the meantime, Hayes has been speaking out about her experiences online in the hopes of spurring the province government to address the crisis.
“There has been an overload on the doctors and the nurses and the paramedics for a long time, but I do feel it’s getting worse,” says Hayes.
She says while medical staff have been working hard and doing everything they can, what’s needed is for government to provide the proper resources, to relieve the ongoing pressure.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It’s discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.