A Nova Scotia cancer patient who was forced to commute daily by ambulance between hospitals has been moved permanently to the Victoria General Hospital, where crucial components of her treatment are being carried out.
Millie Johnson’s family says she was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects white blood cells.
READ MORE: ‘Every Nova Scotian should be concerned’: woman concerned about mother’s care at hospital
Her family told Global News that until recently, she was a patient of the Dartmouth General Hospital, but had to be transported daily to the VG in Halifax for treatment.
The trips were painful for Millie and it’s believed a recent trip led to a fractured rib.
“The transporting takes a huge toll on her,” her daughter, Lovessa Johnson, told Global News this week.
“Her treatments make her tired, her cancer makes her tired and then all that travel on top, it’s a huge ordeal. It’s hours. It’s not just a quick over and back, it’s hours of prep, transportation, treatment and back.”
The family was originally told there was no room at the VG for Millie.
Friday, her family confirmed with Global News that Millie had been transferred to the intensive care unit at the VG, where she must undergo more tests and a biopsy to confirm the type of cancer she has.
WATCH: Nova Scotia woman concerned about mother’s care at hospital
Prior to her move, Drew Bethune, the medical director of the Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program, said he would look into Millie’s case.
As well, Dartmouth East Tory MLA Tim Halman spoke out on the issue and called the 25-minute daily drive unacceptable. He says he reached out to Health Minister Randy Delorey requesting a bed for Johnson at the VG.
“This is completely unacceptable, I think for Nova Scotians they come to expect their healthcare system to be there when they need it and in this particular case, a lot of pushing had to happen in order for Miss Johnson to get the healthcare that she needs for her circumstances,” Halman said.
The Department of Health refused to comment Friday and referred questions to the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA). However, the NSHA declined an on-camera interview and reiterated their comments from earlier in the week that decisions about where patients are admitted depends on a variety of factors.
— With files from Alicia Draus and the Canadian Press
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