Statement - New Nurse Practitioner Clinics

TORONTO , Nov. 27 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are frustrated that the government has announced another eight new nurse practitioner-led clinics will open across the province. All health care professionals have an important role to play, which is why Ontario's doctors have long advocated for collaborative health care teams where various health professionals work together under one roof to provide care to a large number of patients. It is puzzling why the government would press ahead with an unproven and untested model, such as independent led nurse practitioner clinics, rather than effective and efficient collaborative care models such as FHTs.

FHTs are an excellent and proven model of collaboration where doctors, NP's and other health care professionals can provide a more comprehensive level of care to patients. Ontario's doctors have been very clear that by working collaboratively with nurse practitioners, we can deliver high quality services and provide timely access to care to every Ontarian.

Ontario's doctors believe that every Ontarian should have access to the care and expertise of a family physician. The level and quality of care that a doctor can provide should not be substituted for expediency.

Suzanne Strasberg, MD

President

Ontario Medical Association

For further information: OMA Media Relations at [phone] or 1-800-268-7215 ext 2862