Figures showing a breakdown of how long patients are waiting to be matched with a provider in the government-run Patient Connect database show nearly 17,000 people on the wait list went more than two years without finding a family doctor. The registry’s used to match orphan patients with a family doctor or NP. As of July 2018, there were 25,546 people registered on the wait list. The government’s records indicate over a third on the wait list have a provider but wish to change. Other figures include:
- More than 11,500 waited longer than a year;
- 4,700 waited more than two years;
- 1,279 waited more than three years; and
- 395 waited more than four years.
A New Brunswick Health Council report called for more accountability when it comes to managing primary care personnel. CEO Stéphane Robichaud suggested the province make better use of its existing resources rather than inject more doctors into the system.
Related News:
Finding doctor a losing battle - Telegraph Journal (sub. req.)
N.B. Editorial: Ensure access to family doctors - Times & Transcript (sub. req.)