Over 140 physicians* recruited and started since April 2023**
*Number does not include medical residents
**Last updated February 2025
1,267 physicians practicing in Newfoundland and Labrador*
*Updated annually, last updated October 2024
Making an impact on your health, today.
We’ve been making changes that are improving our health care system and the wellbeing of you and your loved ones. Have a look at the ways we’re making health care better for you. And, we’re just getting started. Check back often for updates!
PRIMARY CARE
We are making an impact on health care for your family.
ACUTE CARE
We are reducing backlogs and improving wait times.
Connecting you with the care you deserve.
The positive impact on our health care is real. We are committed to building a system that works for everyone, every day.
The 2022 Health Accord NL laid out the path for change, and those changes are well underway.
We are taking steps every day to improve the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Track our progress as we introduce new initiatives and make announcements that impact you:
Recruitment and retention
Health care professionals are the key to providing world-class care. We are dedicated to attracting and keeping those professionals through meaningful, competitive incentives and practice supports where they are needed most across the health care system.
Over 1,100 new nurses hired since April 2023*
*Last updated February 2025
7,702 nurses registered to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador*
*Updated annually, last updated June 2024
Family Care Team connections
Across the province, Family Care Teams are offering collaborative, interdisciplinary care that works. Our teams connect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to primary care and a team of professionals who can support their individual health care needs.
67,768
residents connected to
Family Care Teams*
*Last updated November 2024
Patient Connect NL
We know that access to a primary care provider is crucial to good health and peace of mind. Patient Connect NL allows Newfoundlanders and Labradorians without a primary care provider to register, so Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services will connect them with a provider when one becomes available in their area.
94,397
total registrations
for Patient Connect NL*
*Last updated July 2024
48,997
people waiting to be connected
to a primary care provider*
*Last updated December 2024
Patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis so it is not possible to estimate wait times. You will be contacted by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services when a primary care provider becomes available in your area.
News and Announcements
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Announces Details of Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan
July 2024The Provincial Government today announced the details of the Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan that will guide the delivery of the supports and services necessary for seniors to maintain health, well-being, dignity, and independence to age well.
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Launches User-Friendly Application to Increase Access to Health Care
July 2024The transformation of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador has reached another milestone as the Provincial Government and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services expand digital services with the launch of the MyHealthNL app.
Memorial University Faculty of Medicine Expanding Seats for Newfoundland and Labrador Students
July 2024Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine is expanding seats for Newfoundland and Labrador students as the undergraduate medical education program will increase to 85 seats from 80 seats in September 2024.
Recruitment and Retention Incentives Available for Retired Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
July 2024The Provincial Government has reinstated a recruitment and retention incentive for retired registered nurses and nurse practitioners seeking to return to work or who are already employed by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.
Medicals for Senior Drivers Available Virtually
July 2024The Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with NL Health Services, is expanding the coverage for drivers’ medical examinations for eligible seniors to include exams performed through the Newfoundland and Labrador Virtual Care Program.
Site of Former Grace Hospital to Become Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre
July 2024The site of the former Grace Hospital will become the site of the new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre. The new centre will provide urgent care and primary care, including a family care team, for residents in the downtown St. John’s area. It will also provide outreach services to the Downtown Health Care Collaborative.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Announces Program to Help Attract New Nurses to the Profession
July 2024To complement ongoing recruitment activities, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is introducing a new tuition relief program for nursing students at select campuses. For students entering nursing in September 2024, the new program will help attract interest in nursing programs and support students through tuition assistance as early as entry.
Provincial Road Ambulance Services Transitions to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services
July 2024The Provincial Government has reached the next phase of its provincial ambulance integration as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services begins operations of all ambulance services provincewide. The move is based on a key recommendation of Health Accord NL to modernize the province’s health care system.