CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Opposition Leader James Aylward wants to know why Islanders are waiting so long to see a neurologist.
During question period on Wednesday, he said he’d heard from local residents that wait times are as high as two years, and he questioned whether there is adequate staffing of neurologists on P.E.I.
Neurologists provide treatment for a number of conditions, including epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
"Do you consider the current two-year wait times for neurology services contributing to good patient outcomes here on Prince Edward Island?" Aylward asked.
Health Minister Robert Mitchell responded that the Island has a “full component” of three full-time neurologists.
But he also acknowledged that one neurologist was on a personal leave for much of the spring, while another is currently on leave.
"In the interim, though, we've had locum neurologists that have filled in. We currently have a locum right now that covers some days of the month," Mitchell said.
The locum, however, is not able to provide full coverage for the neurologist on leave.
Mitchell also acknowledged Health P.E.I. does not track wait times for neurologists.
Opposition health critic Sidney MacEwen called the lack of wait time tracking “absurd”.
"We should know this information, we should have this data,” MacEwen said in an interview with The Guardian.
"If the neurologist is the pressure point in the system, let's put our recruitment resources there."
According to MacEwen, the province, as recently as this spring, had an arrangement with two neurologists from Nova Scotia to come to P.E.I. on a monthly basis to supplement services.
He said the program was discontinued.
A spokesperson for the province said this program was eliminated after the patient load of these visiting neurologists increased in Nova Scotia.
During question period, Mitchell said all health needs of P.E.I. residents are met through reciprocal agreements with out-of-province health professionals if residents are unable to see local specialists.
Mitchell also acknowledged that one of the Island’s neurologists is due to retire by spring of 2019.
“Obviously, recruitment and retention are out trying to recruit a neurologist to come to Prince Edward Island. In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, we have locums that are available that are assisting," Mitchell said.
MacEwen asked Mitchell if the Island was considering increasing the complement of neurologists on P.E.I. to four or higher.
Mitchell did not address this specific question but said the overall number of physicians in P.E.I. has increased from 196 in 2007 to 262 today.
