Nova Scotia’s health minister has reported progress in ensuring infants receive adequate healthcare, despite approximately one in five newborns in the province requiring assistance through a program tailored for those without primary healthcare providers. The proportion of “unattached” babies is nearly three times higher than the overall percentage of Nova Scotians on the waitlist for a doctor or nurse practitioner, which stands at around 7.3 percent.
Health Minister Michelle Thompson mentioned, “The unattached rate is consistently decreasing, and while it may be challenging for families, care options are accessible.” The provincial health authority disclosed that 1,648 newborns were attended to from April 2024 to March 2025 under the unattached newborn program, which has now been expanded.
Formerly, parents in the central zone had to travel to a Halifax clinic if their newborn lacked a primary care provider. The recent expansion has resulted in the establishment of five primary care clinics in the central zone, including locations in Halifax, Dartmouth, Windsor, and Sheet Harbour. Moreover, clinics in other zones across the province were already equipped to accommodate newborns requiring medical attention.
Regular check-ups during a baby’s first year are crucial, focusing on growth monitoring, nutrition, and vaccinations. It is recommended that a baby sees a healthcare provider within 72 hours of leaving the hospital. Kolten MacDonnell, the director of primary health care in the central zone, highlighted the importance of expanding support to babies within primary care clinics, emphasizing the convenience of receiving care closer to home.
Hospital staff will inquire with families to determine if they require the service and notify the local site in time for the 72-hour check-up. Dr. Maria Alexiadis, the transformation lead for primary health care, assured that babies placed on the waitlist for a primary care provider can continue using clinic services until they are matched, alleviating any concerns regarding interruptions in care.
Parents are urged to contact 811 for any queries about the healthcare system’s functioning, with assurances from Alexiadis that the system is currently operating effectively. The process of matching babies with long-term healthcare providers is generally swift, reducing wait times. Thompson reassured parents that seeing different providers during multiple clinic visits should not be a concern, emphasizing that essential health information is maintained consistently.
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