Nova Scotia to partially cover hike in obstetric malpractice fees
'My concerns for rural health care are a reality. People are leaving,' says Amherst doctor
The Nova Scotia government has made some temporary concessions to obstetricians in the province concerned about a drastic jump in malpractice insurance fees.
Fees for the obstetricians jumped to about $51,000 from $21,000 this year.
- Obstetricians struggle with $30K increase for insurance
- Obstetricians on the hook for $30K increase in dues
While the province told physicians earlier this month that it would not pay for any of the increase, it announced Tuesday that it will cover 80 per cent of the increase while contract negotiations continue.
The costs associated with this interim deal — about $3 million — will be considered part of the new master agreement, the Department of Health and Wellness said.
The contract between the physicians and the province expired March 31. It guaranteed the province would pay 90 per cent of the insurance fees, minus a $1,500 deductible.
Physicians who were planning to work until replacements for them were found have retired, and more are considering leaving or retiring, said Amherst obstetrician Robyn MacQuarrie.
"What's happened is we have a poor situation to recruit new people," she said.
Women in rural areas most impacted
MacQuarrie said that will impact health care for women in rural communities.
"My concerns for rural health care are a reality," MacQuarrie said. "People are leaving."
There have been six resignations as a direct result of this issue and it's likely Antigonish will have no obstetrical coverage as of May 15, said MacQuarrie.
"My concern is women in labour are going to be driving five and six hours," she said. "That's not good health care."
Health Minister Leo Glavine said he's anticipating negotiations will move forward in a "very, very timely manner," adding that Doctors Nova Scotia thought the solution was fair.
Glavine said he's spoken to a number of obstetricians and gynecologists.
"They're pleased that we offer services in our regional hospitals and in fact in some of our smaller hospitals, and they want to stay here to work and I'm sure we'll find an agreement," he said.