Islands Health Centre loses nurse practitioner

The changes are caused by the departure of nurse practitioner Karen Snider from the clinic, which serves residents of Long and Brier islands “She is no longer in the employ of South West Health,” said spokesperson Fraser Mooney, who declined to provide details.

Recruitment for a new nurse practitioner is underway, he said. “We are making every effort to continue services with as little disruption as possible.”

South West Health said patients in a course of treatment and requiring follow-up by a nurse practitioner are a priority and will be rescheduled.

Nurse practitioner Deb Meisner will continue coverage at the clinic as usual on Fridays.

Mooney said South West Health hopes to have another nurse practitioner at the clinic for at least one other day a week.

More information will be shared with the community as soon as the schedule is confirmed, he said.

Mooney said the success of the innovative Islands Health Centre has made it easier to expand the use of nurse practitioners across South West Health, including the introduction of a successful clinic located in Digby General Hospital.

The Islands Health Centre has also been able to draw on the support of specially trained paramedics. “The team approach has worked very well on the islands with the paramedics and the nurse practitioner in collaboration with a physician,” Mooney said.

He added that South West Health is optimistic a nurse practitioner will be hired for the DGH clinic in the near future.

Residents are reminded to call 911 for a medical emergency. To speak to a registered nurse about non-emergency and non-urgent health concerns, dial 811.