Addressing Doctor Shortage: New Physician Agreements Signed by Doctors and Province of Nova Scotia’s

With a stroke of a pen, Nova Scotia became one of the few provinces and territories to ratify new four-year physician and clinical academic funding agreements. The successful negotiations between Doctors Nova Scotia and the Province have resulted in comprehensive agreements encompassing critical healthcare aspects, including work wages, benefits, and funding for specific clinical trials. The collaborative efforts have yielded a balanced and fair contract, aiming to address the scarcity of doctors and ensure improved healthcare services for all Nova Scotians.

Physicians are pivotal in the healthcare system, and their contributions are invaluable. Minister of Health and Wellness, Michelle Thompson, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative approach taken by Doctors Nova Scotia during the negotiations. The new agreements prioritize the well-being of doctors and emphasize enhancing patient care, particularly by improving access to and attachment to primary care services.

Introducing a novel payment model for family physicians is a notable aspect of the new agreements. This model offers increased compensation based on various factors, such as the number of hours worked, services provided, and patient count in their practices. Additionally, family physicians compensated through the fee-for-service system will have the opportunity to receive grants and an annual payment determined by their patient roster. This initiative ensures doctors receive fair compensation and continue delivering high-quality patient care.

The agreements also acknowledge the significance of allied healthcare providers in enhancing patient care. By including funding for family physicians to hire professionals like physiotherapists and dietitians for their offices, the aim is to bolster the capabilities of family physicians and improve overall healthcare services. Patients will access a broader range of services within one medical facility.

Beyond addressing physician compensation, the agreements encompass improvements in several other areas of the healthcare system. Key initiatives focus on reducing surgical wait times and enhancing access to regional specialty services. Moreover, supporting the training of the next generation of physicians ensures a continuous supply of medical professionals to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector.

The scarcity of doctors has been a pressing concern in Nova Scotia and many other provinces. With these new agreements in place, Nova Scotia takes a significant stride towards recruiting and retaining much-needed physicians within the province. The offered improvements are expected to make the medical profession more attractive, leading to more fulfilling professional and personal lives for doctors in Nova Scotia.

All parties involved in the negotiations adopted an interest-based bargaining approach, a first for physician negotiations in Nova Scotia. This cooperative method fostered an environment of openness and collaboration, ultimately resulting in agreements that cater to the needs of physicians, the government, and, most importantly, the patients.

The new physician and clinical academic funding agreements mark the beginning of a new era in healthcare for Nova Scotia. With a strong focus on equitable compensation, improved patient care, and investments in various healthcare aspects, these agreements promise to positively impact the lives of doctors, patients, and the entire community. The additional funding of $177 million over the fourth year signifies an investment in the health and well-being of Nova Scotians and a commitment to a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future for the province.