Be careful of political rhetoric: "Thousands of Nova Scotians will soon ...

Jefferey Cave - 2012-11-01 09:03:46-0400 - Updated: 2012-11-01 09:03:46-0400

Be careful of political rhetoric: "Thousands of Nova Scotians will soon have better access to a family
doctor."

Thousands? They aren't specific as to how many thousands, but 12 doctors have been hired for a province of about 1 million people. Further, at least in my area, the doctor is just replacing a doctor that quit (was forced out?). That means there are no more doctors in my area (I just phoned and asked). Add to that the fact that the doctor hired is not a licensed doctor and was hired under a program allowing unlicensed doctors to practice and I fail to see how this is a newsworthy event.

Communities Welcome Family Doctors |

Jefferey Cave - 2012-11-01 10:22:47-0400

I can't find the article (will keep looking), but NS announced a new program where doctors immigrating to Canada can begin practicing prior to verifying their skills match Canadian standards. They would be allowed to begin practicing prior to Canadian licensing, under the supervision of a licensed doctor.

Jefferey Cave - 2012-11-01 10:24:19-0400 - Updated: 2012-11-01 10:25:04-0400

Mmm.. you are probably correct about the rural area statistics. I have mentioned in the past though... last time I went looking for a doctor there were two taking patients in the province (both in Halifax), and the government hotline setup to help find doctors wasn't taking calls anymore.

Brian Mairs - 2012-11-01 14:25:01-0400

They are following in BC's Footsteps: From 24 June 2010

"The Province’s ongoing overhaul of its primary health-care system is being made stronger with a $137-million investment to strengthen service delivery, ensure patients are full participants in their care and provide every British Columbian who wants a family doctor with one by 2015, Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon announced today..."

Unfortunately, after two+ years there is little evidence that this venture has been started.

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2010HSERV0036-000746.htm