Cape Breton physical rehab centre losing its only specialist

Patients at Cape Breton's only physicalrehabilitation centre have learned its specialist will retire this month and no permanent replacementhas been found.

Progressive Conservative MLA Eddie Orrell, who represents the area where the centre is located,says Dr. Doug Watt's retirement is causing a lot of concern.

Families worried

Watt has been the specialist at the rehab centre at theHarbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines, N.S., since it opened in 1990.

Orrell says the families of the people being treated thereare worried they won't be able to help their loved ones if the centrecloses.

"In order for them to be there for someone who is maybe older or confused or has a head injury or something,that needs the support of the family,[the patients]wouldn't be able to get that on a regular basis, because theywill be in Halifax to receive their rehabilitation," Orrell said.

• Cape Breton doctor says Sydney needs medical licences

Centre won'tclose

The director of seniors and restorative care with the Nova Scotia Health Authority,Marie McPhee,says the centre will not close because ofWatt'sretirement.

"We are still hopeful that we can do the service the way we have," she said.

"It's just to identify someone who is able to manage that in the interim.So we have no plans to reduce any service during this time."

McPhee says the authority hasbeen trying for several months to recruit aphysical medicine and rehabilitation doctorwithout success.

Replacement elusive

She says she doesn't know how hard it will be to find a replacement.

The health authority recognizes the importance of the Cape Breton facility and will continue to search for a replacement for Watt, she said.

In the meantime, McPhee says a local general practitioner, Dr. Andrew Wawer, has agreed to work at the centre until a specialist is found.

Between Watt's retirement and Wawer's start in August, MacPhee says two staff members at the Halifax rehab centre will consult with the centre in Sydney Mines.