Lack of health-care resources in Digby 'deeply unfair'

Two new surveys one with doctors and another with patients suggest a lack of health-care resources in the Digby area ofNova Scotiais putting the health of community members in jeopardy.

It's a situation that is "deeply unfair," said Emma Van Rooyen, a researcher with theDigby Area Health Coalition.

She and fellow sociologistJessica Bundy talked to 48 people in the region most of whom don't have family doctors for their report,which was released Tuesday at a public meeting in Digby.

A second report based on conversations with six physicians who have since left the areawas released at the same time.

Doctors' concerns

Those interviewed for the report said there were so few doctors in the area that physicians were on call around the clock and unable to meet their own standards of care, coalition co-ordinator Tony Kelly told the CBC'sInformation Morning.

• Cape Breton doctors say medical system is ailing under one health authority
• Scathing review of Nova Scotia Health Authority, 2 years after merger

Physicians also voiced their concerns about insufficient remuneration and a lack of respect by managers.

"We are treated like little kids," one doctor was quoted as saying in the report.

Patients speak

Van Rooyen said one of the major themes in her conversations with patients is that they feel ignored because they don't live in an urban area.

"People feel that their health and well-being as well as the health and well-being of their community is being put in jeopardybased on their rurality," she said.

• Participants oppose province's decision to cancel their group therapy sessions

Van Rooyen said the shortage of family doctors is a significant source of stress for manybecause there is "no consistency in their care."

It's common for people to see multiple doctors at the emergency room or walk-in clinics for the same health concern, she said.

Official response

Hubert d'Entremont, site manager at the Digby General Hospital, attended Tuesday's public meeting.

He told CBC in an email that he and his colleaguescontinue to sort through the information contained in the reports.

"This input is valuable to us and needs to be reviewed," said d'Entremont. "We will take time to do this."

He said he plans to connect with coalition members to discuss possible solutions.

"We believe there is real value in being able to work together."