Advocates call for Nova Scotia women’s health strategy

Women’s health advocates say Nova Scotia’s health system is under tremendous pressure.

Women’s health advocates argue Nova Scotia’s system is under such extreme pressure that the province needs a dedicated health plan for women to better serve them.

Kim White spoke at a legislative health committee on Tuesday, sharing her breast cancer story and her struggles to access timely care. She also said she was originally denied a necessary surgery because of her body size.

“Women have to stand up, we have to tell them we are sick and tired. We are literally sick and tired. Physically, emotionally and mentally,” said White, who was one of several witnesses to give testimony.

White said she was exhausted after fighting her cancer and for the care she says she deserved at the same time.

“Over my 60 years of life, I have had many battles, struggles and wars,” said White.

White, like others on the panel, believe a women’s health strategy is long overdue.

“A strategy is like a map,” said Jennifer Gillivan, IWK Foundation president and CEO. “When you are driving in a car and you need a map to know where you are going from A to B.”

Gillivan thinks a health strategy would save taxpayers’ money.

“I think women would suffer less and would go earlier and be diagnosed earlier and it’s preventative health,” said Gillivan.

Dr. James Bentley, the head of obstetrics and gynecology at the IWK, told the committee wait times and backlogs for procedures are putting immense pressure on the system.

“I fully accept that is not satisfactory and the surgeons would be the first to tell you they are operating on people with worst prolapse because the wait is so long,” said Bentley.

An official with the IWK told the committee the federal government is going to lead a women’s health strategy, which they expect to hear more about soon. In the meantime, Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chander says the province should take the lead and start their own strategy.

“I think what we heard today is it’s great that it’s coming federally,” said Chender. “But women in this province and in the region are underserved and that needs to change now.”

Health Minister Michelle Thompsom isn’t ruling out a health strategy down the road but earlier this month told reporters that, for now, they are focussed on fixing health care.

“Perhaps at one point a strategy will come, but right now it’s about investing in people, investing in the equipment that we need and really trying to build an ecosystem on the ground,” said Thompson.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page