(Concussion graphic via Shutterstock)
The province and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority have opened up a new specialized concussion clinic for children at the MTS Iceplex.
Youth who have suffered a concussion are referred to the clinic by the Children’s Hospital to receive ongoing care. The program is expected to see up to 30 new pediatric patients under the age of 19 per week.
“With school back in full swing, sports teams are hitting the field, court and ice. When our children are getting back into their activities, it can increase the risk of a concussion,” said Health Minister Erin Selby. “For parents of a child who has suffered a concussion in the past, the biggest concern is if their child is ready to go back to school or sports.
Concussion experts work with the family to treat the concussion, develop a care plan and monitor recovery to determine when the child can safely return to school or activities.
The clinic began seeing patients earlier this month.
Dr. Michael Ellis, a neurosurgeon who leads a team of experts at the clinic, said the goal of the program is to elevate the standard of care for all children and adolescents with concussion and traumatic brain injuries.
“These patients have unique needs and this program will allow those needs to be met by those physicians and health-care professionals with the highest levels of training in traumatic brain injury,” Ellis said.
The new clinic space is part of a partnership with True North Foundation, the faculty of medicine at the University of Manitoba and the WRHA.
