Halifax Woman Faces Up to Four-Year Wait for Gynecologist as Nova Scotia Women Report Long Delays
Rebecca Goodine, a 31-year-old Halifax resident, is facing a three-to-four-year wait for a gynecologist appointment after her initial referral was lost. Her experience reflects a broader pattern of long waits for specialized care among women and gender-diverse people in the Maritimes, prompting provincial health officials to announce new initiatives.
Rebecca Goodine, a 31-year-old Halifax resident, has experienced chronic pelvic pain and heavy periods for years without knowing the cause. Her symptoms led to anemia that took one year to stabilize, significantly affecting her daily life.
In 2024, Goodine attended a private clinic where a transvaginal ultrasound prompted a follow-up with a gynecologist. However, she learned a year later that the referral issued by the private clinic was either lost or never sent. The situation left her discouraged, forcing her to restart the referral process entirely.
In 2025, the referral request was resubmitted, and Goodine was initially told to expect a two-to-three-year wait. A few weeks ago, she received an update changing her expected wait time to three to four years. The prolonged uncertainty has caused psychological stress and led her to consider seeking care outside the province.
Goodine is not alone. She knows of 10 other people facing similar long waits for specialized care, part of a growing group of women and gender-diverse people across the Maritimes reporting extended delays. In April, the head of obstetrics and gynecology for the IWK Health Centre stated that the system needs more resources to meet demand.
In response to these challenges, Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson announced plans to open a menopause health clinic and create a women’s health clinical collaborative.