The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, met yesterday with Dr. Lynette Powell, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss key issues facing physicians and the health care system.
Premier Furey expressed his gratitude to the physicians of this province and other front line workers for their prompt and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Powell spoke about how fortunate Newfoundland and Labrador has been in maintaining a very small number of active cases for a long period of time, substantially owing to the leadership of Public Health.
The Provincial Government and the NLMA share a common agenda for continued improvement in primary health care, including the expansion of integrated primary health care teams, and other measures that will make the province a more attractive place to practice family medicine.
Discussions were held on the Task Force on Health Care as outlined in the minister’s mandate letter. Dr. Powell spoke about the importance of the health care task force and agreed to participate in the process. The NLMA was also asked for input on physician shortages. The meeting was viewed as a positive step forward based on a broad common agenda to improve the province’s health care system.
Quotes
“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the NMLA, discussing important issues facing primary health care in the province and acknowledging the critical roles that physicians and other front line workers play. We all recognize that we have a common interest in strengthening the system for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and it is encouraging that the NLMA will participate in the task force. I look forward to future discussions.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Thank you to the NLMA for meeting with us today. We value our doctors, and the important work they do for all patients in our province. We will continue to work with you to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is an attractive place to live and work.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The NLMA looks forward to participating in the Provincial Government’s Task Force on Health Care. Both the NLMA and the government agree that transformational change is needed within our health care system to meet the needs of our population. We also support the government’s view that this change must be guided by research and evidence.”
Dr. Lynette Powell
President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca
Jonathan Carpenter
NLMA
709-691-0928
jcarpenter@nlma.nl.ca