Private health care in N.L. slammed by demand as patients seek help outside public system – CBC

President of Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour says private health care isn’t the solution

Nov 10, 2022

With Newfoundland and Labrador’s public health system hammered by staff shortages, long wait times and emergency room closures, private health clinics are facing the same challenges as patients look for alternatives.

Sarah Kennedy, a nurse practitioner working at Physio North in Labrador City, told CBC News the clinic is booked up until the new year and is closing its doors to new appointments for now.

“The need is astronomical, I would say,” said Kennedy. “The need is definitely out there. It’s extremely busy.”

Even for procedures like cervical screening and Pap testing, said Kennedy, it feels like the clinic is in the middle of a “blitz.”

The clinic recently opened up 64 appointments for Pap testing, she said, and they were all booked in less than an hour.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-private-health-demand-1.6645551