St. John’s, NL (May 5, 2025) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and MHA for Conception Bay South, today questioned the Liberal government’s silence on primary healthcare services in the Lewisporte area.

Petten was responding to phone calls and information circulating on social media about physician vacancies and the potential erosion of service, including the elimination of the after-hours clinic that serves the area.

“I have spoken to several residents who are extremely concerned about the loss of primary care in the area and rumours of a pending switch to a virtual service,” said Petten.  “Virtual care is not a substitute for in-person care.  Many residents are seniors who worry about having to travel to the emergency room in Gander to access a doctor.”

Petten noted there are 163,000 residents without a family doctor in the province while the Liberals still refuse to allow private nurse practitioners to bill government for primary care services.

“We have not received any updates from government on the healthcare situation in Lewisporte.  In fact, residents say the promised Family Care Team for Lewisporte announced in Budget 2024 has not even materialized,” added Petten.  “This is a familiar pattern for the Liberals:  hollow photo ops and announcements.  It is shocking that over a year has passed and the Family Care Team still does not have a location.”

Petten is calling for an update from the Acting Minister of Health and Community Services and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

“Lewisporte is yet another example of the lack of access to healthcare across our province,” said Petten.  “While Family Care Teams on the Northeast Avalon may be up and running, residents in rural Newfoundland and Labrador continue to struggle to access primary care.  People deserve answers and more from their government. What is the plan to deliver frontline, primary healthcare in the Lewisporte region?”

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