5 Health Policy Stances of Robert F. Kennedy Jr

Nova Scotia's Primary Care Waitlist Drops Below 100,000

The list of people looking for a primary care provider in Nova Scotia shrank, once again, last month.

Nova Scotia Health removed 8,449 people from the Need a Family Practice Registry in February, bringing the total down to 95,875 — or about nine per cent of the population. The provincial government says it's aiming to get the number down to five per cent, or about 50,000 people.

The latest numbers were issued Wednesday in a news release from the health authority. The release did not provide a breakdown of how many people have been attached to primary care providers in the past month, nor did it say how many were removed from the list through an ongoing validation process.

Nova Scotia Health has been calling people on the list since last summer to find out if they still need a provider.

The list — which some people look to as an indicator of how well the health-care system is working — is at its lowest point since 2022. It reached a peak of about 160,000 last June before the health authority stopped posting updates online.

Public updates in the form of news releases resumed several months later, and the size of the list has been shrinking ever since. The updates include the current tally and change from the month prior, but they no longer contain the level of detail they previously did, such as the need for a family practice broken down by community.

WATCHN.S. Health minister defends removing doctor waitlist data:

The change has drawn criticism from the opposition, who say the restriction of public reporting makes it difficult to assess whether real progress is being made.

Last month, the health authority removed all registry information from its data reporting website, and Health Minister Michelle Thompson said that's how it will remain at least until the health authority's validation is complete.

She provided no timeline for the work and would not commit to restoring the information on the online data dashboard.

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Nova Scotia's Primary Care Waitlist Drops Once Again

The list of people looking for a primary care provider in Nova Scotia shrank last month.

Nova Scotia Health removed 2,193 people from the Need a Family Practice Registry in March, bringing the total down to 93,682 — or about nine per cent of the population. The provincial government says it's aiming to get the number down to five per cent, or about 50,000 people.

The latest numbers were issued Monday in a news release from the health authority. The release did not provide a breakdown of how many people have been attached to primary care providers in the past month, nor did it say how many were removed from the list through an ongoing validation process.

Nova Scotia Health has been calling people on the list since last summer to find out if they still need a provider.

The list — which some people look to as an indicator of how well the health-care system is working — is at its lowest point since 2022. It reached a peak of about 160,000 last June before the health authority stopped posting updates online.

Public updates in the form of news releases resumed several months later, and the size of the list has been shrinking ever since. The updates include the current tally and change from the month prior, but they no longer contain the level of detail they previously did, such as the need for a family physician broken down by community.

The change has drawn criticism from the opposition, who say the restriction of public reporting makes it difficult to assess whether real progress is being made.

Earlier this year, the health authority removed all registry information from its data reporting website, and Health Minister Michelle Thompson said that's how it will remain at least until the authority's validation is complete.

She provided no timeline for the work and would not commit to restoring the information on the online data dashboard.

MORE TOP STORIES

Free RSV Vaccines For Seniors And Infants Starting Sep 15

Provincial release:

Infants under eight months and adults 75 years and older will soon have access to free protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Today, September 10, Nova Scotians aged 75 and older can book their free RSV vaccine through pharmacies and public health, with the first appointments Monday, September 15. Primary care providers will begin offering the vaccine in November.

The program for infants under eight months will be offered every year during the RSV season, which typically begins in late fall and lasts until spring. Newborns will be offered their dose before being discharged from hospital, and other eligible infants can receive their dose from their primary care provider or public health. This year, the program runs October 15 to April 30.

"We are committed to supporting a healthy and thriving population," said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "That's why we are delivering on our promise of free protection against RSV to help keep our most vulnerable Nova Scotians healthy this season."

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to severe complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults.

These additions build on the existing RSV immunization programs for adults living in long-term care and children under two years of age with certain health conditions.

Adults age 75 years and older can book their vaccine online at http://novascotia.Ca/vaccination or by calling 1-833-797-7772."The introduction of a program to prevent serious RSV infection in young Nova Scotian infants is a turning point in the health of this vulnerable population. In other provinces and countries, a single dose of nirsevimab prior to the annual RSV outbreak has reduced hospital admissions by up to 85 per cent. In addition to protecting these babies, prevention of RSV lung infection will ease pressure on emergency rooms and hospital beds in the busy winter season." — Dr. Joanne Langley, Head, Division of Infectious Diseases, IWK Health, and professor, pediatrics and community health and epidemiology, Dalhousie University

"On behalf of the Seniors Advisory Council, we believe this action demonstrates and acknowledges the impact of RSV on older adults. It is well documented that respiratory infections can be considerably more complex in seniors and having access to this vaccine will enable better outcomes for this vulnerable population." — Alyson Hillier and David Fletcher, co-chairs, Seniors Advisory Council of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:– the Province is investing $6.9 million in 2025-2026 to protect Nova Scotians against RSV– newborns will be offered Beyfortus (nirsevimab), which is not a vaccine but a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides season-long protection, before being discharged from hospital– eligible babies born before October 15, or those who missed getting their dose in the hospital, can receive the Beyfortus (nirsevimab) immunization from their primary care provider; public health will help those without primary care– most infants only need one dose to protect them in their first RSV season; some children will also need a dose in their second RSV season– adults 75 and older will be offered the vaccine Arexvy or Abrysvo and need only one lifetime dose of the vaccine to protect against RSV

Additional Resources:Information on immunization schedules is available at: https://novascotia.Ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.Pdf

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