- Dartmouth General Hospital Opens Geriatric Clinic
By Andrew Macdonald
Dartmouth General Hospital is now operating a new geriatric medicine clinic – the third such clinic in metro Halifax.
Approved by NS Health Authority, there are also geriatric clinics at Camp Hill Hospital and at Cobequid Hospital.
The Dartmouth expansion means an increase in “access to services in more rural communities in Central Zone and is anticipated to help older adults remain at home, reduce emergency department visits, and improve the quality of life of people and their families,” says NS Health.
The clinic will focus on patients who are experiencing frailty, dementia, increased falls or other age-related health issues such as changes in memory or thinking.
“This new clinic location means patients in Dartmouth and along the province’s Eastern Shore now have the option to access a clinic closer to their community,” says NS Health.
Dartmouth General Hospital is now operating a new geriatric medicine clinic – the third such clinic in metro Halifax.
NS Health has hired three new geriatricians to support both inpatient and outpatient geriatric medicine services, as well as the equivalent of five additional team members, (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and pharmacy).
Older adults (65+) are referred to the Geriatric Medicine Clinic by their physician or nurse practitioner for a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Following the referral, a geriatrician or nurse practitioner completes a consultation in a clinic setting or at a patient’s home, depending on the situation.
A private donation from the J&W Murphy Foundation through the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation was used to update the new clinic. “The clinic’s design incorporated features such as calm, quiet well-lit space, non-reflective flooring, neutral walls with colour contrast for patient areas, and signage with familiar images,” says NS Health.
“This project is a great example of government and donors working together to make the Geriatric Medicine Clinic a reality in Dartmouth – that’s the magic of philanthropy in action,” said Stephen Harding, CEO, DGH Foundation. “Thank you to the J&W Murphy Foundation for bringing this patient-centred investment in seniors’ healthcare close to home.”
Karen Spaulding of the J&W Murphy Foundation, who spoke so well at the opening of a Geriatric Medicine Clinic at Dartmouth General Hospital.
“We love the culture at Dartmouth General Hospital that continues to encourage innovative approaches to patient care. We applaud the healthcare teams who have come together to bring this clinic to the Dartmouth community,” said Lisa Murphy, spokesperson for the J&W Murphy Foundation.
