Imagine a healthcare system where women no longer face long waits and uncomfortable settings for essential pelvic procedures. That's exactly what the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite at Dartmouth General Hospital is making a reality. One year after its launch, this innovative model is not just meeting expectations—it's exceeding them, transforming pelvic healthcare in ways that are both groundbreaking and deeply impactful.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: in just its first year, the suite has quadrupled gynecologic procedure capacity and tripled cystoscopy capacity. This means patients are getting the care they need faster, often during the same visit. And this is the part most people miss: by moving procedures like hysteroscopies and cystoscopies out of traditional operating rooms and into a dedicated space, the hospital has freed up valuable resources for more complex surgeries, creating a ripple effect of efficiency across the entire healthcare system.
Gynecologist Dr. Brett Vair highlights the suite's transformative impact: ‘We’re seeing more people sooner and treating more patients in the same visit. The suite is revolutionizing how quickly patients receive care, all in a setting designed for their comfort.’ This shift isn’t just about numbers—it’s about improving the patient experience, reducing anxiety, and ensuring timely, patient-centered care.
But here’s the controversial part: while the suite’s success is undeniable, it raises questions about why such models aren’t more widespread. Is it a matter of funding, awareness, or systemic resistance to change? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Before the suite’s opening, hysteroscopies and cystoscopies were performed in the main operating room and endoscopy area, respectively. These procedures, which use small, flexible cameras to examine the uterus, bladder, or urethra, are crucial for diagnosing and treating issues like abnormal bleeding, polyps, fibroids, or urinary concerns. By centralizing these services in a specialized space, the suite minimizes delays and enhances comfort, making the experience less daunting for patients.
The benefits extend beyond the suite itself. Dartmouth General Hospital has reallocated operating room time and staff, including anesthesiologists, to more complex surgeries. Additionally, women’s health procedures like IUD insertions/removals and fibroid/polyp removals now take place in the suite, with nurse-led procedural sedation available when needed. This has significantly improved patient comfort and reduced anxiety.
One patient, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience: ‘I had a wonderful time at the Pelvic Health Suite. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. The nurses—Amanda, Natasha, and Jenn—were not only lovely but incredibly knowledgeable. Dr. Vair explained every step thoroughly, making the experience relaxing. I would highly recommend it to anyone.’
Cystoscopy services have also seen remarkable improvements. The suite’s dedicated space allows more patients to be seen, diagnosed, and treated without delay, while simultaneously increasing endoscopy availability for procedures like colonoscopies.
The Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite is the culmination of a remarkable collaborative effort, supported by Nova Scotia Health, the Department of Health and Wellness, the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, Orchid Gala, and the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation. Through a shared vision, the Health Innovation Hub secured $6.7 million in funding over five years, working closely with Dartmouth General Hospital’s clinical teams to ensure the suite’s long-term success.
This first year has demonstrated the power of combining clinical expertise, patient-centered design, and community support. The suite isn’t just improving access today—it’s setting a new standard for pelvic healthcare, one that’s efficient, responsive, and sustainable for years to come.
But we want to hear from you: What do you think is the biggest barrier to implementing similar models elsewhere? Is it funding, infrastructure, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below and let’s spark a conversation about the future of pelvic healthcare.
