N.S. recruiting physicians, but vacancies persist

Nova Scotia health officials say they are stepping up efforts to address doctor shortages, touting the province’s quality of life and new healthcare approach to prospective physicians, but admit vacancies persist.

A legislature committee heard Wednesday that 42,000 Nova Scotians are actively seeking a family physician, although federal statistics place that number at closer to 100,000 — including people who simply aren’t looking for a doctor.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority has recruited 92 doctors since April 1, but there are still 60 or more vacancies due to physician retirements and other issues.

Dr. Lynne Harrigan, the authority’s vice-president of medicine, told the public accounts committee the recruitment goal for this year is 100 doctors - 50 family doctors and 50 specialists. But despite efforts, she said, many vacancies will remain.

“This number will remain between 55 and 60 for some time as more people retire and we bring more people in,” said Harrigan.

“We are trying to gain traction, but 60, 70 — we will take as many doctors as we can.”

Harrigan said the health authority is working to recruit doctors by selling them on the province’s quality of life and attempts to transform the health system through such things as collaborative medical practices.