Nova Scotia’s provincial Health Minister is meeting with nurse practitioners to discuss the possible growth of their responsibilities in walk-in clinics. This comes as a result of Nova Scotia’s current talks with doctors about their possible contract change—which would result in no wage increases for the next two years.
CBC News has reported that nurse practitioners might actually replace doctors at some of these clinics. This idea was based on comments from Health Minister Leo Glavine—he suggested that because the new contract could result in pay cuts for physicians at walk-in clinics, nurse practitioners may take over them.
Dr. Michelle Dow, president of Doctors Nova Scotia, is enthusiastic about the use of nurse practitioners to accompany—rather than substitute—physicians.
“We shouldn’t focus on replacing one provider with another. What’s important is that the various roles are defined for every provider so that patients see the right care provider in the right place at the right time.”
It is currently unclear what will happen with regard to this issue. The vote on the proposed new contract ends June 27—at this time, it will be decided whether further negotiations will need to take place.
