Technology, collaboration highlights of New Brunswick rheumatology clinic

Sept. 3, 2014 – A rheumatology clinic in Edmundston, N.B., is using interdisciplinary care and telemedicine to cut down on travel for patients living with arthritis in the region.

“This new clinic is a good example of how, by working in teams and using technology, we can bring specialized care closer to patients, in the language of their choice, no matter where they live,” said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé on behalf of Health Minister Hugh Flemming.

The clinic has been operating at the Edmundston Regional Hospital since
December, and is a service being offered as part of the government’s
five-year action plan for an equitable distribution of health services.
The clinic, which is open two days per week, is served by a team of
allied health professionals including a nurse, a physiotherapist, an
occupational therapist and a dietician. Patients wishing to access these
services can do so by contacting the hospital.

With a referral
from their family doctor, patients can also meet with a specialist at
the clinic. Follow-up appointments with a rheumatologist can be
conducted via telemedicine to reduce travel for patients. A specialized
camera is used to provide the rheumatologist with extreme close-ups of
skin, tissue and fingernails.

“The addition of this clinic to
Edmundston Regional Hospital’s service offering is an important
component for our patients,” said Gisèle Beaulieu, Northwest Zone chief
operating officer for Vitalité Health Network. “This addition is part of
the network’s strategic direction as we optimize our approach towards
ambulatory and community care.”

Patient reviews to date have been positive and a second clinic is now in development for the Chaleur Regional Hospital.

“The
Arthritis Society wishes to congratulate the provincial government for
investing in the residents of northern New Brunswick,” said Susan
Tilley-Russell, executive director of the Arthritis Society’s Maritime
Region. “The clinic will ensure timely access to care for this very
important chronic disease and was the focus of our volunteer advocacy
committee and advocacy staff in New Brunswick.

The five-year
action plan for the equitable distribution of health services consists
of a list of new or expanded services in all regions of the province
that are designed to address gaps in the health-care system. It fulfills
the provincial government's commitment to improve distribution of
services to the francophone population.