SASKATOON — A pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Rabin Persad, will begin practising in Saskatchewan on Oct. 1.
Dr. Persad's addition to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital (JPCH) staff means improved access to in-patient and out-patient services, including pediatric endoscopy procedures and access to on-site consultations, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
The availability of these services at JPCH will lead to a shortened wait list and a reduction in the need for out-of-province specialist referrals for pediatric gastroenterology patients, the SHA adds.
"The SHA welcomes Dr. Persad to the team of health care professionals who support the children, youth and families impacted by pediatric digestive system and liver-related issues or pain," Provincial Head of Pediatrics for both the SHA and the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine Dr. Terry Klassen said.
"The addition of Dr. Persad will support the ongoing development of a comprehensive children's gastroenterology program for Saskatchewan and improve much-needed access to physician care here in the province. We continue to actively recruit other pediatric gastroenterologist subspecialists."
"I am extremely excited to join the SHA and this growing team that has been doing such great work in a challenging environment," Dr. Persad said.
"I am eager to be part of providing the patients and families of Saskatchewan with consistent and stable services in the near future. A key goal upon arrival is to build relationships and expand the pediatric gastroenterology program across the province."
Dr. Persad has practised at the Stollery Children's Hospital since 2006 and is the clinical lead of the Home Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) program in Edmonton (total parenteral nutrition is when nutrition is given through an intravenous for people whose digestive systems are not functioning well enough to provide the nutrients required by the body). He is an associate professor of gastroenterology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. He completed his pediatric residency in Winnipeg and his fellowship in Vancouver.
In addition to the ongoing support of the JPCH program site, interdisciplinary services have been expanded to Regina to allow easier access for children from the south for much of their care.
"An exciting addition to the Saskatchewan Pediatric Gastroenterology Program is the addition of a nurse practitioner to support children with inflammatory bowel disease," Area Department Lead for Pediatrics at JPCH Dr. Matthew Bradshaw said.
"With roughly 100 children receiving care by the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), we look forward to the addition of a second PNP, registered dietician and pharmacists in Regina to expand the service for children and families living in southern Saskatchewan."
