New Community Clinic to Revolutionize Respiratory Care in Nova Scotia

A new community clinic aimed at enhancing respiratory care for Nova Scotians will open this fall in Halifax. Located within the Fenwick Medical Centre, the clinic is backed by a substantial investment of $300,000 from the biopharmaceutical company GSK Canada, in collaboration with Nova Scotia Health, its INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program, and LungNSPEI.

Nova Scotia faces a significant health challenge, with a high prevalence of lung conditions such as lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The province reports the highest lung cancer rates in Canada, with over 700 deaths annually attributed to this disease. Environmental factors, including an increase in wildfires linked to climate change, further exacerbate air quality issues, heightening the risk of respiratory infections.

A report by Prezner Injury Law indicates that Nova Scotia has the highest proportion of smokers among teenagers and young adults aged 20 to 24. Among adults, the province ranks sixth in smoking prevalence. Heather Mulligan, Senior Manager of Advocacy at the Canadian Cancer Society, emphasized the urgent need for intervention, stating that neglecting this issue could lead to severe healthcare consequences across the province.

Clinic Services and Expected Impact

The establishment of the new clinic is poised to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system by addressing mild to moderate respiratory issues, thus reserving emergency resources for more complex cases. According to Sridhar Venkatesh, President and General Manager of GSK Canada, “Nova Scotia presents a significant opportunity for advancing respiratory care innovation.” He added, “We believe in supporting initiatives that have a meaningful impact on patients and communities.”

The Nova Scotia Lung Wellness Clinic will provide essential services, including spirometry testing for triage, smoking cessation programs, vaccination services for respiratory illnesses, inhaler coaching, exercise and wellness navigation, and follow-up care. Dalhousie University stated that the clinic will offer vital preventative care for individuals with conditions such as COPD and asthma. “By improving patient outcomes, these patients will feel better and have a decreased chance of requiring emergency services, thereby alleviating strain on Nova Scotia’s healthcare system,” the university noted.

Training Future Healthcare Professionals

In addition to patient care, the clinic will serve as a training ground for future respiratory care professionals. It will act as a placement site for Dalhousie’s expanded Respiratory Therapy program, enabling students to gain practical experience under the guidance of licensed therapists. This initiative aims to address the critical workforce gap in respiratory care.

Dr. Sanja Stanojevic, Associate Professor in Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the broader implications of the clinic. “This initiative is about more than just access — it’s about building capacity,” she said. “By embedding students in community-based care, we’re training future healthcare professionals while directly improving patient outcomes.” She expressed gratitude towards GSK for their generous support, which has been instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition.

The clinic is expected to begin accepting patients in the upcoming fall, marking a significant step forward in addressing the growing respiratory health needs of Nova Scotians.