City 'desperately' needs neurological clinic

In larger cities, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada offers clinics with expert diagnostic and treatment services for those with the condition.

But here in Sudbury, there aren't enough people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to warrant such a clinic, said the director of client services with the MS society's Sudbury chapter.

“To have an MS clinic in Sudbury, financially it just wouldn't be feasible,” said Shawn Rossi. “They wouldn't be able to generate enough income.”

That's why he's been meeting with local representatives of other charities serving those with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson Society Canada, the Brain Injury Association of Canada, and the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

The group is hoping to develop a neurological clinic in Sudbury, where people can go to see a neurologist, as well as receive services from allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and dietitians.

“That would be the goal,” he said. “Instead of having everyone trying to service their own charity, we want to put it all together and have everyone go to one centre.”

Rossi said the group hopes to attract another neurologist to the city, as there's currently only one. The clinic, which would be based on the family health team model, would service people from across northeastern Ontario, he said.

The group plans to pitch the idea to the provincial government this spring.

Rossi said he's not yet sure how much it would cost to pay for a location for the clinic, or what it would set the government back to hire allied professionals to work with the neurologist.

However, the various charities involved in putting together the clinic would likely be willing to chip in to defray the initiative's costs, he said.

A neurological clinic is “desperately needed” in Sudbury, said Laurel Ireland, chair of the MS society's Sudbury chapter.

She said many of those with MS are currently travelling to southern Ontario to see a neurologist because of the shortage in the city.

“In some cases, when you have someone who had mobility issues, it's not just a trip, it's a trauma,” Ireland said. “Where is the next washroom we can access? Where is a hotel that's accessible? You have to think about all of those things.”

Rossi will be speaking about the need for a neurological clinic on April 27 as one of the keynote speakers during the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada's Northern Ontario Development Day Conference.

The conference, which takes place at the Rona Ramsey MS Centre of Hope on Bancroft, brings together representatives of MS society chapters in Northern Ontario to discuss various issues of mutual interest.

The public part of the event, which begins at 1:30 p.m., features a number of guest speakers.

One of them is Dr. Melanie Ursell, a neurologist working out of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, who will speak about what's happening in the world of MS treatment.

Nickel Belt MPP and NDP Health and Long-Term Care critic France Gélinas will speak about the need for the neurological clinic, as well as about other health access issues for those with MS living in Northern Ontario.

For more information, phone the local MS society at 705-566-9299 or email [email protected].