October 30, 2024
Today, Liberal Leader Zach Churchill announced a bold new initiative to improve access to primary care across Nova Scotia by building 20 collaborative care clinics and expanding 20 more across the province.
The Municipality of Clare has a phenomenal primary care model that is fully staffed with healthcare professionals eager to work there. These clinics improve working conditions, reduce administrative burden, and keep doctors in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Liberals would emulate this model province-wide, put a halt to the skyrocketing doctor waitlist, and attach patients to primary care providers.
“Despite spending billions on healthcare, the doctor waitlist has more than doubled under Tim Houston,” said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “We need to re-think our approach to healthcare. Our plan today will make sure people across the province can get the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it.”
Today’s announcement also includes a commitment to double the annual incentives for physicians if they agree to join a collaborative care practice and increase their patient rosters. The Nova Scotia Liberals would also introduce bonuses and incentives of up to $15,000 for allied health professionals who commit to working at a collaborative care clinic for a minimum of five years.
“Collaborative care centres are the way forward for primary care in this province. More places with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals under one roof is how we’ll keep people out of emergency rooms, reduce wait times, and make sure people have access to primary care close to home,” said Churchill. “It’s a better deal for patients, it’s a better deal for healthcare workers, and it’s a better deal for all Nova Scotians.”