Nova ScotiaSome appointments at a pain clinic in Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre have been cancelled and the lack of clear explanation from Nova Scotia Health has patients fearing it is destined to close.MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin tables petition in legislature to reinstate servicesLuke Ettinger · CBC News · Posted: Sep 23, 2025 5:04 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoPatients of a pain clinic at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre protested earlier in September. (Luke Ettinger/CBC)Some appointments at a pain clinic in Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre have been cancelled and the lack of clear explanation from Nova Scotia Health has patients fearing it is destined to close. But despite questions about the clinic’s future, the health authority maintains there are no plans to close it. Nova Scotia Health confirmed Friday that some patients have had appointments cancelled by the provider after previously saying they would continue to be scheduled. “We regret the interruption of service to patients and are working with the physicians to resume services and reschedule cancelled appointments,” said Keith Corcoran, a spokesperson for Nova Scotia Health. Unanswered questions Subsequent questions about why the appointments were cancelled, how many patients are affected and if any services are still being provided at the pain clinic were not answered by the health authority.On Tuesday, the Independent MLA for Cumberland North took the issue to Province House. Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin tabled a petition with 827 signatures in support of the pain clinic, and asked Health Minister Michelle Thompson to intervene. “Maybe she can help to provide some leadership in this situation because this isn’t a case that we don’t have the physicians to provide the care,” said Smith-McCrossin. Central to the issue is a move of some clinic services within the Amherst-area hospital, according to the MLA. She said a new location would not allow for support in the event of an emergency such as a negative reaction to treatment. “There’s some significant interventions that are involved. And it’s important to know that they have nurses there available to provide support,” she said. ‘Hang in there’ Thompson said the health authority and physicians are continuing to work through the details of the move. She said both want the service to continue operating. “Hang in there. I know it’s very unsettling,” she said as a message to patients after question period on Tuesday. “There may be some things that the physicians want or the operator wants, and we have to go away and have a look at what the options are.” Last Wednesday, Karla Mundle received a lidocaine infusion for chronic pain. The Wentworth, N.S., woman said the appointment, which has been a near monthly occurrence for her since 2018, felt like a goodbye.”When I left, it was sad because it’s uncertain as to when we’ll be there again,” said Mundle.Other patients showed their appreciation to the doctors at the clinic through hugs, tears and baked goods, according to Mundle.”I’ve never met specialists with the bedside manner and the empathy that these two doctors have for their patients, and they are willing. But something is getting in the way,” she said. Mundle said every interruption in care costs patients quality of life. She said the clinic doctors helped her find alternatives to narcotics to manage her chronic pain. “People are going to have to resort back to narcotics and then depression sets in and then you have one, maybe two other problems,” she said. “I am not optimistic. That being said, I will continue to speak out. I will continue to fight for this basic right.” ABOUT THE AUTHORLuke Ettinger is a reporter with CBC Nova Scotia based in Truro. Reach him at luke.ettinger@cbc.ca.
Appointments at pain clinic in Amherst-area hospital cancelled
