She wasn’t told she has cancer. She says that could have been a ‘death sentence’

been a wake-up call for her and her family. She is grateful that she took matters into her own hands and pushed for answers, ultimately leading to her diagnosis and treatment.

Her experience highlights the importance of being proactive and persistent when it comes to healthcare. Patients should not rely on the assumption that no news is good news, but instead should follow up with healthcare providers to ensure that necessary tests and results are being taken care of.

Mary Jane Hampton, a health-care consultant, emphasized the need for seamless communication within the healthcare system to prevent cases like Croskery’s from happening. She stressed that follow-up should never be missed and that patients should be their own advocates to ensure that they are receiving the care they need.

Dr. Aaron Smith of Nova Scotia Health acknowledged the challenges faced by those without a primary care provider and the need for more doctors to meet the demand for healthcare services. He highlighted the various initiatives in place to recruit more physicians and improve access to care for all Nova Scotians.

Bukun Adegbembo of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network echoed the need for improved patient education and access to healthcare services. She emphasized the need for health authorities to provide better information and support to patients, especially those navigating the system without a family doctor.

Croskery’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. Her experience sheds light on the barriers that some patients face in accessing timely and appropriate care, and the need for continued efforts to improve communication and coordination within the healthcare system.