Debates of August 20, 2007 (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the value of nurse practitioners in the delivery of health care in the North.

Availability of training for nurse practitioners in the North is still a relatively new undertaking. Although nurse practitioners have been present for several years in the North, their work in the larger communities is still in the pioneer phase. The primary health care model sees them as a vital part of clinics, hospital emergency wards and outpatient departments. Hay River has the good fortune of having two nurse practitioners operating in our system. We consider them to be a very integral part of the delivery of health services in Hay River.

With the relative newness of their presence in the larger communities, we believe that the model they are working with needs to be clearly defined in order to realize the maximum benefits of their training, skills and proficiency. This clearly defined working relationship with other health care providers would ensure that anyone new coming into our system would be oriented to that system whether they be administrative or front-line personnel.

Nurse practitioners have much to offer in terms of their ideas about the operation of the various settings in which they work. The network of nurse practitioners in the North are supported by professional development, resource materials, updates on best practices and conferring together. For reasons which I will pursue during question period today, Mr. Speaker, Hay River has been left out of that network to the despair of our nurse practitioners. They, too, would find benefit and opportunity to connect with their counterparts throughout the territory. This would only serve to enhance what they have to offer our community and as with all professionals, particularly in medicine, they want to stay apprised of ever-evolving best medical information and practices. Investment in this professional development is an investment that would benefit their patients.

It’s very important that physicians, whether permanent or locums, understand the role of our nurse practitioners and would then work with them in a collaborative practice that was intended. Failing to do so makes it virtually impossible for nurse practitioners to realize the unique role and responsibility that they can offer to enhance the health care delivery system.

I would like to thank all of our health care providers in Hay River and today recognize our two nurse practitioners Karen Benwell and Sue Balmer. The efforts that they have made to enhance their education and skills have been a tremendous asset to Hay River residents. Later today, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social services regarding improvements to the support for our nurse practitioners. Thank you.

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