New Doctors for Digby and Area
The Digby and Area Health Services Centre will soon be getting three new doctors and a new family practice nurse.
This means 10,000 people in Digby and surrounding communities, including those who have already registered with Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Need a Family Practice registry, will have access to primary care.
“Once these health-care providers are in place, anyone in this area who is looking for a family doctor or access to a family practice, will have that opportunity,” said Clare-Digby MLA Gordon Wilson, who made the announcement today, March 23, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “This is tremendous news for our community. A team of doctors, nurse practitioners and a family practice nurse working together will help Digby and area residents better manage their health concerns and hopefully live longer, healthier lives.”
In September the new doctors will join three nurse practitioners currently working in Digby. One of the nurse practitioners, brought on temporarily last fall, will become a permanent member of the team. The new family practice nurse will start this spring. The two nursing positions are among the 22 new nursing jobs created across the province, an initiative announced last fall to expand collaborative primary-care teams in the province.
This collaborative family practice team will be based in Digby, and will also serve surrounding communities including Weymouth, Bear River, Barton and Digby Neck. They will also provide care from the Weymouth Medical Centre.
“We’re extremely pleased that these new doctors and a family practice nurse are joining our highly skilled nurse practitioners," said Dr. Crystal Todd, head of family practice for Nova Scotia Health Authority’s western zone. “We know access to primary care has been an ongoing challenge, especially in Weymouth, and we look forward to providing accessible care in that community.”
Nova Scotia Health Authority has been working closely with provincial and municipal leaders in Western Nova Scotia to promote the community to health professionals. It’s all part of government’s vision to create and strengthen collaborative family practices across the province.
“I’d like to thank the people of Digby, Weymouth, Bear River and other area communities for coming together to showcase what our region has to offer new doctors,” said Mr. Wilson.
People in Digby and surrounding communities who need a primary-care provider should register with Nova Scotia Health Authority’s provincial list, either by visiting needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca or by calling 811, Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.