Manitoba has faced a loss of two seizure specialists within the last year, raising concerns for a Winnipeg mother about potential delays or the need to seek medical care out of the province for her son, who battles epilepsy. Julie Western expressed frustration over the recurring issue of neurologist shortages, emphasizing the urgency of prompt medical attention when dealing with a sick child.
Health Sciences Centre, Manitoba’s primary hospital, saw the departure of four neurologists in the past year, including two epileptologists specializing in seizures and epilepsy. Shared Health, the provincial health authority overseeing the hospital, disclosed that one epileptologist returned to their home country, while another left in October last year, leaving only two specialists in the field at the hospital.
Julie’s son, Liam, diagnosed with epilepsy at 15 months after his first seizure, has received care from four neurologists. With the impending transition to adult neurology upon turning 18 next year, the diminishing specialist numbers at HSC raise concerns for extended appointment wait times.
Shared Health has employed three neurologists in 2025, with one departing since then. An epileptologist is set to join HSC in the following year, and plans are in place to hire two more specialists. Sara Bettess, from the Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba, expressed apprehension about potential wait time increases for patients in the absence of specialists.
The association has seen a surge in inquiries from individuals seeking quicker access to the seizure clinic at HSC or exploring medical care options outside the province. With approximately 23,000 Manitobans living with epilepsy or seizure disorders, the need for timely specialist care is paramount.
Efforts are being made to address the shortage, with plans to hire additional epileptologists. However, concerns remain about the immediate impact on patient care due to the current shortfall in specialists. Jason Linklater, president of the Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals, highlighted the scarcity of specialized technologists in neurology, impacting testing wait times and patient care quality at HSC.
