New Clinic to Transform Respiratory Care in Nova Scotia

Dalhousie University is set to enhance respiratory care for Nova Scotians with the opening of a new community clinic this fall. Located in the Fenwick Medical Centre in Halifax, the clinic aims to improve health outcomes for individuals facing urgent respiratory issues. This initiative is supported by a substantial investment of $300,000 from the biopharmaceutical company GSK Canada, in collaboration with various health organizations, including Nova Scotia Health, the INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program, and LungNSPEI.

Respiratory conditions are a significant health concern in Canada, with Nova Scotia reporting the highest lung cancer rates in the country, resulting in over 700 deaths annually. Alongside this, the province faces rising concerns over air quality due to increasing wildfires, which are linked to climate change. A report from Prezner Injury Law highlights that Nova Scotia has the highest percentage of smokers among teenagers and young adults aged 20 to 24, with adult smoking rates ranking sixth in the country.

The establishment of the community clinic is a proactive response to these pressing health needs. It aims to alleviate pressure on emergency departments by managing mild to moderate respiratory cases, thereby allowing hospitals to focus on more complex health issues. As Sridhar Venkatesh, president and general manager of GSK Canada, stated, “Nova Scotia presents a significant opportunity for advancing respiratory care innovation.” He emphasized GSK’s commitment to initiatives that positively impact patients and communities.

Comprehensive Services and Community Impact

The new clinic will provide a range of essential services, including spirometry testing for triage, smoking cessation support, vaccination services for respiratory illnesses, inhaler coaching, and wellness navigation. These services are particularly geared towards patients with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. According to Dalhousie University, enhancing patient outcomes will not only improve individuals’ health but also reduce the number of emergency visits, thus lessening the strain on the provincial healthcare system.

In addition to patient care, the clinic will serve as a vital training ground for future respiratory care professionals. It will host placements for students in Dalhousie’s expanded Respiratory Therapy program, allowing them to gain practical experience under the guidance of licensed therapists. Dr. Sanja Stanojevic, associate professor in Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine, noted, “This initiative is about more than just access — it’s about building capacity.” By integrating students into community care, the program not only addresses the current workforce gap but also enhances patient care.

The clinic is scheduled to start accepting patients this fall, marking a significant step in addressing respiratory health challenges in Nova Scotia. With its collaborative approach and focus on preventive care, it promises to play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for the community.