Mother of Manitoba epilepsy patient petitioning province for improvements in level of care

A Winnipeg womanwho arguesepilepsy careis lagging in the provincetook her fight Thursday to the Manitoba Legislature.

The Opposition New Democrats brought out Pat Trottierto bemoan the state of neurology services, which the party said is copingwith staffing vacancies.

Trottiercalled for the establishment of a four-bed epilepsy unit at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, similar to the one being funded inSaskatchewan.

The mother of an epilepsy patient, Trottiersaid a devoted space would helpManitobanswho need advanced care for the neurological disorder, which is characterized by seizures.

"We're asking for the government to look at that and we'rekeeping our fingers crossed that we can have a good discussion with them," she said, after her petition with 500 signatures was tabled at the legislature.

The NDPcalled for the provincial government to develop a newepilepsy unit and to restore the level of neurological care in Manitobabefore it was beset by resignations.

Resignations last summer

Last summer, several neurologists unexpectedly stepped downfrom HSC's neurology clinic. Physician staffing in neurology was expected to be "significantly impacted," Shared Health said, while former health minister Cameron Friesenvowed recruitment efforts would be successful.

Two months later, nine of the 25 neurologist positions in Winnipeg were sitting empty, according to a documentthe NDP obtained through freedom of information. Seven of those vacancies were at HSC.

"We can see the direct impact of these losses in the care that's given to Manitobans," said Fort Garry MLA Mark Wasyliwduring question period Thursday. He saidTrottier's son waited several weeksfor a follow-up appointment earlier this year.

A Shared Health spokesperson said the provincial organization is working to strengthen neurology services overthe long term, including the hiring of five neurologistssince last December.

The official wasn't aware if those positions were filling vacancies, or if there was any staffing shortage.

"Recruitment remains ongoing for more neurologists, including general and stroke neurologists," the spokesperson said.

Shared Health added that some neurology services, including epilepsy care,were stopped in late 2020 as staff were redeployed to cope with the surge in COVID-19 cases.