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G
o v e r n m e n t R e l a t i o n s
Collaboration
key to success of new physician services committee |
| The Physician
Services Liaison Committee, established in the wake of a 17-day
physician job action, marks a new beginning in the working
relationship between the NLMA and the provincial government. |
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The Physician Services Liaison Committee, established in the wake of
a 17-day physician job action, marks a new beginning in the working
relationship between the NLMA and the provincial government.
"The job action in October left a
bitter taste in the mouths of physicians right across the
province," said NLMA President Dr. John
Haggie. "This
committee can help mend fences between physicians and government by
providing both sides with a mechanism to deal with issues in a
meaningful way. A collaborative approach will help ensure the future
success of the committee."
Dr. Haggie noted the NLMA had proposed just
such a committee last spring, even before negotiations started.
Modeled after a similar structure in Ontario, the Physician Services
Liaison Committee will work at the highest levels within the NLMA
and the Department of Health and Community Services.
"This committee is the most senior of
all the NLMA external committees," said Dr. Haggie. "As
such, representation on the committee will involve our most senior
leadership." Final determination on representatives to the
Physician Services Liaison Committee will be ratified at the
December meeting of the NLMA Board of Directors. The committee will
meet monthly and address medical issues impacting the health care
system.
The committee will provide advice to the
minister of health and community services on medical issues from a
policy, systemic and strategic perspective.
The committee will address such issues as
improving efficiency; adoption and implementation of clinical
practice guidelines; exploring standards for wait times and length
of hospital stays, among other issues; physician retention and
recruitment; and, primary care reform. Other issues may also be
dealt with at the discretion of the committee. |
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Nexus
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Nexus
DEFINED
A connected group or series; a bond, a connection.
Nexus is
published quarterly for Newfoundland and Labrador's physicians. It is a forum for
the exchange of views, ideas and information for members.
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