Over the last 26 years, there has been a transformation in both the delivery of healthcare and in Millbrook itself. When I first began my career with Millbrook in 1994, I was working in the emergency department of the old Colchester Regional Hospital. While doing a shift, I met Elizabeth Berube, a nurse from Cape Breton. She asked if I would consider working in Millbrook as a doctor. After meeting Chief Lawrence Paul, Alex Cope, Barry Martin and Barry Gloade, we agreed that I would come and work in Millbrook. At that time, the Health Centre was located in the current Youth Centre on Willow Street. It was freezing in the winter and roasting hot in the summer! After a few years, the staff were excited when air conditioning units were installed in some of the windows!
A short time later, Dr. Linda Ferguson joined the Health Centre staff doing regular clinic hours and well-women clinics. Dr. Linda not only provided the ladies of Millbrook a welcome alternative to Dr. Murdo, she offered the first opportunity to access vaccines to prevent HPV, dysplasia and cervical cancer. These were the first vaccines developed to prevent some cancers, and much of the research was done in Nova Scotia and Canada.
Working in Millbrook has been a great experience as a doctor and as a person. I have learned a great deal, and have made many friends over the years. The Millbrook community has always been very kind and generous to us. I think that many communities in Nova Scotia and the Maritimes can learn a lot from how Millbrook has grown and developed over the years.
A special thank you to all the staff - past and present - who have worked with us at the old and the new Millbrook Health Centres. A special thank you to Jane Johnson who had to put up with me for seventeen of my twenty-six years as our medical secretary. Jane might miss her work, but she won’t be missing my calls to cancel and rebook patients!
Retiring from Millbrook is a bittersweet experience. However, we thank all of you for the privilege and honour of being part of your families and your community.
With best wishes for the future,
Dr. Murdo Ferguson
