FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2024
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador Responds to Government’s Incentive for Physicians: Calls for NP-Led Clinics and Expanded Travel Locum Pilot
Forteau, Labrador — The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) expresses deep frustration with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s recent announcement offering a $75,000 incentive for physicians to join a Family Care Team. This incentive, in addition to the existing Physician Signing Bonus, could amount to a potential $175,000 to $225,000 for physicians who sign a five-year return-in-service agreement.
“For years, we have been advocating for the government to implement Nurse Practitioner NP-led clinics to enhance access to public primary care, particularly in rural and remote areas of our province,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNU. “The government’s continued reluctance to implement effective, sustainable solutions—such as our proposed NP-led clinics and the expansion of the travel locum pilot project—is deeply frustrating. These initiatives could provide immediate and cost-effective improvements to access to primary healthcare for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
During her current provincial tour to rural and remote locations, President Coffey has engaged with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), who are dedicated to providing access to primary healthcare in these underserved communities. Many RNs working in these communities are undergoing training to become NPs and are eager to continue serving in rural and remote areas. The implementation of NP-led clinics could provide access to primary healthcare at a significantly lower cost to the government, representing a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
The RNU is also advocating for the expansion of the travel locum pilot project in Labrador. This initiative has been positively received by both nurses and community members, who are benefiting from access to compassionate, competent care within their communities. This project provides an extra $25 per hour to RNs and NPs already employed in the public healthcare system. It presents a far more cost-effective solution than the new physician incentives alone.
“The travel locum pilot project is already demonstrating its value in Labrador. Expanding this program to all rural and remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador would immediately improve access to primary healthcare and better utilize the skills of RNs and NPs who are committed to these communities,” Coffey added.
Calls to Action
President Yvette Coffey is calling on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to:
- Implement NP-led clinics in rural and remote communities throughout the province to provide access to sustainable, cost-effective public primary care.
- Expand the travel locum pilot project to all rural and remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for access to primary healthcare across the province.
Currently in Forteau, Labrador, as part of her President’s Tour, Coffey has been inspired by the dedication of RNs and NPs and deeply concerned about the challenges they face.
“Our nurses are understaffed and lack the necessary support to deliver reliable access to primary healthcare. It’s time for the government to invest in long-term, effective solutions rather than short-term, costly measures,” said Coffey.
The RNU urges the government to adopt these solutions to ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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About Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents more than 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education, and research.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Phone: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca