It is with great difficulty and after much consideration that I must announce I will be winding down my involvement with the Glenrose Seizure Clinic after 25 years to focus on my private practice. It has been my privilege to work with an amazing team over these many years. I particularly thank my mentor, Dr. Starreveld, and nurse Kim Mahe, as well as numerous other colleagues. It has been a privilege to be involved in the care of so many courageous patients.
Regrettably, there is no neurologist available to take over all my clinic patients. However, several physicians in the region have committed to accepting a limited number of patients.
Unfortunately, my private clinic practice is very stretched, with waits currently around 1.5 years. I will thus regrettably not be able to accommodate seizure clinic patients in my personal office. Our AMA president, in a recent letter, noted that one of the areas of medical care needing greater investment is Neurology, and I strongly concur.
The process of winding down my epilepsy practice is expected to take at least six months, if not longer, as we work to guide patients to other resources. During this time, Kim will remain available for phone calls, and I will make myself available to Kim, primary care physicians, and emergency room colleagues for urgent concerns. I will remain available to renew prescriptions, which can be faxed to 780-701-5298. However, we ask, if possible, that patients and their caregivers approach their primary care physicians and prescribing pharmacists for prescription renewals.
For those patients whose epilepsy is stable, we recommend ongoing follow-up with their family doctors. For those whose epilepsy is less stable, we will attempt to refer patients to fellow neurologists. We realize that some of our patients have ongoing mental health concerns. For mental health crises, we recommend calling Access 24/7 at 780-424-2424 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room. Similarly, for those experiencing seizure exacerbations or other neurological issues, please seek assistance from your family doctor or local emergency room.
We have been in communication with our colleagues at the Edmonton Epilepsy Association. Our partnership with the EEA has been invaluable over the years, and I thank them for their support. They can provide guidance to patients as it relates to community resources. They have extensive information online at edmontonepilepsy.org and can be contacted as follows:
- Telephone: (780) 488-9600
- Toll-Free: 1-866-EPILEPSY (374-5377)
- Fax: (780) 447-5486
- Email: info@edmontonepilepsy.org
The EEA Office remains open to appointments only. Regular office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Note, we are closed on all statutory holidays.
For some of our patients with developmental disabilities, the major issues are behavioural. The COAST team has a multidisciplinary team that can assist.
- Phone: 587-735-8885 (Intake)
- Fax: 587-473-0777
We will communicate with your primary care providers as well.
We realize this news will be upsetting for many. The decision is a difficult one for us as well. Please feel free to reach out to Kim (780-735-7910) and the Edmonton Epilepsy Association for support.
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