It looks as though Nakoda on the Lake Spa, Lodge and Conference Centre (Nakoda Lodge) will be transitioning from recreational use to a pain treatment facility in the next 6-8 weeks.
A presentation on the proposed facility was made by Dr. E. Lyle Gross of Gross Remote Conferencing to Wesley chief and council on Nov. 5 in Morley (see gremote.org for more information).
“We’re currently in discussions, as there are a lot of issues to consider,” explained Wesley CEO, Hopeton Louden, adding that the presentation was well-received by chief and council.
The concept behind the treatment facility is to combine Western medicine with First Nations tradition to create programs that would adequately service patients suffering from both pain issues and pain medication issues.
“We will be working with physicians at the Stoney Health Centre and drawing from experts across the province,” explained Gross, adding that the facility is not specific to treating solely First Nations people, but will be open to all persons suffering from pain issues.
Gross, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, has an extensive history in the field of treating and rehabilitating those living with pain or suffering from pain medication overuse and abuse. This includes his work at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mass., his work as the former director of the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board and the former Gross Rehabilitation Centre in Edmonton.
He has also worked extensively with First Nations groups and in third world nations.
With respect to the abuse of pain medication, Gross said the problem lies in issues with after-care.
“The success rates are high, but the failure rates are also high and the reason for that is after-care,” he said, adding that his Tele-Health technology program works to bridge this gap, especially for those living in remote communities.
Louden said that a major benefit for Stoney Nakoda Nation would be an opportunity to bridge educational training programs with employment opportunities to help staff the facility.
Questions should be directed to Gross at 778-387-1812. A community consult will be held at the lodge at 10 a.m. Nov. 14.
