New clinic specialized in sleep disorders opens at Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre
Moncton, May 29, 2017 – The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre now has a new clinic specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Vitalité Health Network officials inaugurated the new clinic today, with a number of guests and dignitaries in attendance for the event.
Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of the Network, explained that the establishment of the clinic and the expanded services that it delivers were included in the 2013-2018 Plan for Greater Equity in the Provision of Health Care Services (commonly known as the “catch-up plan”). “The completion of this initiative reflects the Network’s commitment to implement the components of this plan designed to bridge the real gaps existing within the provincial health care system and equitably balance services for the Francophone population,” he stated. “The new sleep clinic is also perfectly aligned with our 2017-2020 strategic plan by effectively helping make the public healthier.”
The new 2,300 square foot clinic has four sleep rooms for diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders, an ambulatory care room for the home sleep monitoring service, a consult and follow-up room, an acquisition room, an office, and a reception area. The construction work undertaken added approximately 1300 square feet to the initial space. The entire project, including renovations and other costs related to equipment and human resources, required investments of $2.1 million.
Dr. Matthieu Gaudet, sleep specialist, explained that since 2012, over 1,400 patients have undergone polysomnography testing that diagnosed a large number of sleep disorders. In the course of his work, Dr. Gaudet makes extensive use of the telehealth system. By allowing him to speak to patients remotely, the system facilitates the steps and interventions involved. “This is a powerful asset that increases efficiency while maintaining the quality of patient services,” he indicated. “There exist over 80 sleep disorders, most of which have a direct impact on physical and mental health. Some even play a major role in the prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and perhaps even some cancers. Sleep disorders affect 40% of people at some point in their lives. If a problem is not diagnosed or treated in time, it can become chronic.”
Denise Thériault, one of Dr. Matthieu Gaudet’s patients, agreed to talk about her experience. “Polysomnography revealed that I was suffering from restless leg syndrome. Dr. Gaudet’s treatment started to work within the space of one week and literally changed my life. For the first time in years, I could live a normal life,” Ms. Thériault explained.
The first efforts and proposals to establish a sleep clinic at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC date from 2002. Today, the clinic has a dynamic team consisting of six respiratory therapists specialized in sleep technology, an administrative assistant, and Dr. Matthieu Gaudet, Medical Director, respirologist and sleep specialist.
The sleep clinic is currently delivering services in both official languages to the adult population of New Brunswick, of part of northern Nova Scotia, of Prince Edward Island, and of southeastern Quebec.
In the picture: Gilles Lanteigne, the Network's President and CEO; Michelyne Paulin, the Network's Board Chair; and Dr. Matthieu Gaudet, Medical Director, respirologist and sleep specialist, at the bedside of an extra simulating a patient.
