Doctors say N.L. government looking to save up to $450M on health care

Doctors believe the Newfoundland and Labrador government is looking to save hundreds of millions in health spending without sharing all of the specifics with keyplayers including them.

Robert Thompson, executive director of the province's medical association, which represents doctors, calculates the government's savings goal at somewhere between $300 million and $450 million.

"We had never been apprised by government of something this large," Thompson said, calling for the government to share information.

The estimate is based on statements made by the province's Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services, John Abbott.

• Meet the bureaucrat poised to shake up N.L.'s health system

Health spending in the province is 25 per cent higher than the national average.

Abbott has made it clear he'd like to reduce that number substantially over the next several years.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) said that could have a dramatic impact on the health-care system.

Thompson told CBCNewsthere appears to be no comprehensive planning process with clear fiscal targets andtimelines or consultation. Healso called for some independent review.

Believes deputy minister was revealing government policy

Earlier in December, Abbott told CBC News that every health care service, facility, program and professional group is under scrutiny, that his goal is to lower costs and improve health outcomes.

• Health minister distances himself from deputy, says Abbott 'one voice of many' in health-care debate

Health minister John Haggie later distanced himself, maintaining that his deputy minister's voice is just one of many when it comes to health care reform.

That's not how Thompson sees it.

"Our view is that Mr. Abbott was describing government policy," he said.

Could have started a year ago

Abbott pointed out there are 46 per cent more registered nurses per capita in Newfoundland and Labrador than the Canadian average, and roughly 50 per cent more licensed practical nurses.

Healso raised concerns about the productivity of the nursing workforce, and the amount of sick leave that nurses take.

Those comments generated anger, with the Registered Nurses' Union in Newfoundland and Labrador accusing the government of betrayal and bad-faith bargaining.

It's not just the number of nurses that's getting attention.

The health minister told CBCRadio's CrossTalk listeners that over a 10-year period, the provincial health budget doubled. Haggie also said that during the same timeframe, the number of doctors increased from under 800 to nearly 1,200.

Thompson saidthe NLMAunderstands the government is facing tough economic times.

He saidthe associationhas asked the health minister to work together to makebig changes within the health-care system.

"If we'd started a year ago, this plan may actually be done," said Thompson.