The NDP say it’s ‘mindboggling’ that the Houston government didn’t do more to save a Halifax clinic about to shut it’s doors, with over 133,000 thousand people already waiting for a family doctor in Nova Scotia. The release of the monthly Primary Care Provider Waitlist is delayed for the second month in a row.
Health and Wellness Spokesperson Susan Leblanc said, “The shortage of health care providers is a problem that affects everyone, and it is particularly concerning for those who are in urgent need of medical attention. Frontline workers and other health care professionals are warning that not enough is being done to retain health care providers, which leaves more families without access to the care they need.”
However, Health Minister Michelle Thompson says, they couldn’t come to an agreement, but once the clinic closes, the four physicians will work in other roles.
“There were some issues around how they are supported in terms of overhead. They are also looking for additional resources, and through those discussions, it’s my understanding the additional resources would not in fact result in an increased level of access,” Thompson said.
The Southend Family Clinic is on Spring Garden Rd and primarily serves those living on the Peninsula.
Darrell Spurr and his partner are two of the people who will be without a doctor this summer when the South End clinic closes.
“It’s gut-wrenching to think about losing my doctor of twenty years. I want to know why it is impossible to accommodate this practice with another doctor.It does not make sense to lose four doctors for the price of one,” said Spurr. “I’ve been connected with that clinic for years and had the same doctor for the last two decades. I don’t think the government knows not only the quantity but the quality these doctors represent. Going onto the waitlist makes me very nervous, especially as I’m getting older and have more need to see the doctor.”
The clinic will close August 30, adding over 4,000 more people to the list.
