Strategic partnership brings much-needed ENT services to Eskasoni

Starting in 2020, a dedicated team of partners has collaborated to provide needed audiological and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services in Eskasoni. The team includes Eskasoni Health, Dalhousie University research, the clinical Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) team at the IWK, and clinical and leadership representatives from Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS).

Since the ENT clinic's inauguration in Eskasoni in October 2022, Dr. Paul Hong from the IWK has been working in the community quarterly to provide ENT services out of the Eskasoni Health Centre. His services are open to community members of all ages, and the clinic accepts referrals from Eskasoni Health physicians and nurses, HSNS clinicians and the local school speech-language pathologist.

HSNS Audiologist Patricia Babin ensures that all clients, who need audiological testing in advance of the ENT clinic, are seen either in the Eskasoni location or in Sydney, depending on the type of testing required. Patricia shared that children identified with chronic ear infections, which have affected their hearing thresholds, have been seen and treated by Dr. Hong.

“Not only is it improving their health but also their ability to communicate,” says Patricia. She also noted that children have been fitted with hearing aids thanks to this strategic partnership. “I'm proud to be a part of this beneficial process and hope to see our services not only continue but grow.”