March 10 2011 - "Nova Scotia Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the province won't help a Pictou County man undergo liberation treatment for his multiple sclerosis.
Supporters of Bill Peart want the province to help him receive the treatment in Canada because his declining health may prevent him from travelling to New York state for treatment next month.
They have contacted the health department asking it to assist Mr. Peart on compassionate grounds.
While Ms. MacDonald expresses sympathy, she says the province has already decided that it will not fund the treatment until there is medical evidence that it is safe and effective.
She says that means Mr. Peart will not be getting the treatment in Nova Scotia and that the province will not pay for him to receive it elsewhere."
Globe and Mail - March 10 2011:
http://tinyurl.com/4m4u493
Honourable Maureen MacDonald:
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/people/members/Maureen_MacDonald/
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
3115 Veith Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 3G9
Phone: (902) 455-2926
Fax: (902) 455-3929
E-mail: mmacdonald@navnet.net
Only a week ago, this Health Minister said that this simple angioplasty treatment, is way too dangerous to help save a life. How could she deny care for someone who was quickly running out of options?
Sadly Bill passed away today. He ran out of precious time, waiting for care. We will never know, but this possibly could have been prevented, if only the Health Minister showed some compassion and offered help.
In this case the risk / benefit of trying the minimally invasive CCSVI angioplasty, is unanimous. To not try is criminal.
In the face of this tragic news, Maureen MacDonald should be forced to justify her inaction immediately. Tell us why a simple 90-minute / $1,500 procedure is too much to ask?
What is going on in Canada? When did people with MS become 2nd class citizens?
They already do the same procedure for dialysis patients in Nova Scotia every week. Tell us why Bill was denied compassion?
I want you to tell us why, right now?
WaYnE