Victoria Hospital explores future of ketamine clinic

Friesen said the hospital is in the process of preparing a case to try and convince the province to cover ketamine treatment.

“We’re trying to gather the data, trying to persuade people that this is not only safe but effective,” he said.

“I’m hoping within a couple weeks we can have information for the ministry to better inform the decision-making process.”

Friesen added the reluctance on the part of the province is understandable, given that using ketamine as a treatment for depression is relatively new.

“The program is not well-established provincially or nationally, it’s a bit out there in terms of what’s recognized right now,” he said.

The Victoria Hospital is in a difficult position, according to Friesen, because not only are there no doctors in the area with experience in using ketamine to treat depression, but the Ministry of Health considers it an uninsured service. That means the province does not cover the cost of the drug or reimburse physicians involved in the treatment.

The only other clinic providing ketamine treatments in the province is a private one in Saskatoon. Treatments there cost $500 each. Dr. Hussain provided the service for free.

“Dr. Hussain managed to combine it with other parts of his clinical practice in such a way that he just made it work,” said Friesen. “But given that his practice has been divested amongst a number of other psychiatrists we can’t run it that way, so we have to find a way to go forward based on the resources we have right now.”

One possible solution the hospital is exploring is having patients assessed remotely via Teleheath, possibly by the ketamine specialist in Saskatoon, then the drug could be administered by a medical professional at the Victoria Hospital.

“The actual administration of the drug does not require a psychiatrist,” said Friesen.

Currently neither the assessment nor administration would be covered by the government.

“We’re just trying to do everything we can to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together,” said Friesen.

Patients worried

The answers can’t come soon enough for Maria (not her real name) , a two-year patient of Hussain’s ketamine clinic.

“They always say we’ll keep you updated and everything, but how long will we have to wait for that update and what if it’s too late,” she told paNOW.

“What if we have to go downhill again? I don’t want to go there.”

While anti-depressants had been ineffective at treating her depression and PTSD, within six months of starting ketamine treatment she was able to get off disability insurance and find a job she says she loves.

“It’s a different me, a different side of me that I know I can be good under medication,” she said.

Due for a ketamine infusion two weeks ago, Maria, who is still on anti-depressants, said she can feel herself starting to get edgy.

“So I try to get away from stress and just keep my head down and try not to be exposed to stuff that might trigger me,” she said.

“But for how long will I be okay like this?”

Maria received ketamine transfusions around once every three weeks, but said wouldn’t be able to afford $500 per treatment if she had to pay.

“We’re working professionals, a part of the community. What will happen to us?” she said.

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Editors note: At the publication time of this article paNOW was informed that the Saskatchewan Health Authority had agreed to continue with the existing Prince Albert ketamine clinic. We will have more details in a follow-up story

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom

by Alison Sandstrom

Victoria Hospital explores future of ketamine clinic

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