Let me preface this by saying, I am not a sick person. When I am it’s some flu my kids brought home via their school, or even my asthma that is acting up. I should also note that I am also fully aware that had we lived rural, this would be different as there are many rural hospitals in Nova Scotia that are closed due to under staffing.
On Wednesday evening I suddenly had excruciating pain in my lower right back side. The best description I can have is that it felt similar to labor contractions that had no break. After trying all things I knew, heating pad (magic bag), a warm/hot bath, counter pressure similar to labor. Nothing worked. After waiting likely longer than I should have, my husband and I decided I needed to be seen. A friend had picked me up and drove me to the Dartmouth General Hospital. We arrived about 12am.
Upon arrival it did not appear too too busy. Maybe 10 or so people in the waiting area, with a few extras as the support people. We registered. We went to triage. A urine sample was taken to check for pregnancy (surprise, negative lol). I was then given Tylonal and waited till the test came back for stronger pain medications. Which I was than given a shot for and that did help. I also had bloodwork done.
The waiting room was filled with various people. A women there from 3pm in the afternoon. Unsure her condition but she wasn’t happy for the long wait. Another women given pain medications who stated she was waiting till the morning, at this time she would be able to get an ultrasound on her Gallbladder, her reason for being there. There is no overnight ultrasound techs. A nurse had also come around the patients offering a drink and asking how pain was. Stating that there was only one doctor on and apologized for the wait. Another man was waiting for a dose of vallium. An Elderly women had left after their support person found they had a UTI based on their samples hoping to be treated faster in the AM by another medical route which ever that may be.
After waiting hours and having the pain disappear to a dull ache, I felt like I could continue this with my family doctor as they would too see the results. They were unable to get me in until Monday. Even a phone call appointment was unavailable. That is okay though. I know others don’t have this option, or their doctors book weeks and months in advance.
After this I attempted the Maple app. I had my information based on the “My Health” app that showed levels and results from bloodwork and urine analysis. I was declined even uploading these results. It said I should be seen in person.
I even tried to attempt the pharmacist appointment hoping they could prescribe an antibiotic for this suspected kidney infection, or even a UTI as I was unaware fully what was happening. They were unable to as it was out of their scope of care. However they did mention the kidney stats showing elevated numbers and that the kidneys might be the enemy here as to why I’ve been feeling this way.
I then went to the Cobequid Health Center Emergency. This was about 5pm. This emergency is not 24 hours a day. It opens 7am to 12am. I was turned away because I wasn’t severe enough and they were over capacity. I still, keep going. When I had asked if I would need to come back to the Emergency, or the Mobile Clinic in the same location I was told “Correct emergency as the clinic would not be able to do any follow up testing, requisitions, if needed.”
The following morning I made arrangements for my children as my husband had to work and went back to Cobequid Emergency. Arrived on time for open at 7am. I was seen relatively quick. Triaged and then registered. Then I was brought back to the secondary waiting room where we wait for a doctor. This is all within 2 hours of arrival. I also gave a secondary urine sample.
After nearly 4 hours I was finally seen. Kidney stones. I was given some medications for pain and to help them pass easier. Prescription filled and now waiting to see if they do actually pass and hope this medical ailment is behind me.
What got me though, was when I came out of the secondary area, as I was leaving, the emergency was again filled. Likely soon to be over capacity as this was almost lunch hour. Mind you also, this was a location that too had a mobile clinic on weekends. Either all of these people were in a medical emergency, or they had no other options for the health issues that were too difficult for a walk in, or the mobile clinic in the same building.
I’m the first to say also, the mobile clinics are great. They are wonderful addition to the system (one of the only positives it seems) where people without family doctors (or unable to see theirs in a timely manner) can be seen. The flaw here is they are for low needs. Basics. What happens to the people in the middle care range?
I know my situation is one like many. Mobile clinics are supposed to be for minor illnesses. Prescription refills (minor antibiotics, birth controls, etc). Being see for various ear aches and infections that can be dealt with quite quickly. Ive only ever had to wait maybe 2 hours tops as they usually have multiple doctors or nurses on to efficiently see the people needing the clinic.
Now emergency rooms, when I think of those firstly they are triaged. This being based on severity. Which can mean anyone is, and can be, bumped down the line. Whether that be more severely ill people who come in, car accidents etc. I don’t believe I was an emergency. But I had literally 0 options to get my health taken care of. We talk about this “my health” passport. This new implemented system where your samples and various medical situations can be viewed by doctors. But yet, I was unable to use Maple and needed to go to an emergency room in order to receive care for something wrong.
And again, I know my situation isn’t unique. I know many others have no options either but to go to an emergency room. Though a lot of the population is blinded by this government throwing around various new things in the field that people see as advances. What advances? Did anyone notice the name of “Nova Scotia Health Authority” now dropping the “Authority” and becoming “Nova Scotia Health”. How much money did this cost tax payers?
The questions I and I know many other Nova Scotians are left asking are:
(And yes, this is the tip of the iceberg so to speak)
– Why are doctors not wanting to work emergency rooms?
– Where do “moderate” health issues go if not for mobile clinics or left with the Emergency room as the only option?
– Why are rural hospitals closing due to under staffing? Why does nobody want to work?
– Where is incentives for medical professionals to be taught in Nova Scotian schools?
And the kicker:
Where is all this money for health care going?
And again, yes. I’ve asked these questions both on my page and in Ask Nova Scotia: Anything Goes (Mostly). And a follow up blog on what folks say are the worst parts of our health care, if anything it should be eye opening to many, or reassuring to others because this is the standard of care we are receiving.
Stacey J. Girard 