New agreement for P.E.I. doctors expected to boost recruitment and retention

The P.E.I. government, Health P.E.I. and the Medical Society of P.E.I. stood together Thursday morning to announce a new agreement covering how doctors are treated and compensated for their work.

The province said that over five years, the new contract will result in an extra $188.3 million in spending on physician services compared to the previous contract.

While the province didn't provide complete spending figures, most of that increase comes from an additional $45 million per year to be introduced in the second year of the contract.For context, the province included $162.8 million in spending for in-province physician services in its operating budget for the current fiscal year.

The pay increase is significant, with compensation rising about 35 per cent over the life of the agreement. The province said it is difficult to make comparisons between the different provincial health systems, but it estimates the new rates will place Island physicians among the top three highest-paid in the country.

In addition to new pay scales, the deal includes:

• P.E.I. becoming the first province to recognize family medicine as a specialty.
• Increased compensation for all specialists.
• Measures to reduce red tape and administrative duties for doctors.
• An incentive program for doctors who take on more patients than an expected benchmark.

"This agreement is more than a contract," Health Minister Mark McLane said at the news conference."It is a comprehensive commitment to valuing our physicians, enhancing primary care, and ultimately building a stronger health-care system."

As an example of how red tape is being eliminated, McLane noted that the province is moving from 450 fee codes for various medical servicesto just 31.

Putting the value of the $188.3 million in additional spending on doctors in perspective, the minister said the last five-year agreement included an increase of $37 million.

The government said it expects the agreement will lead to improved recruitment and retention, and the medical society agrees.

"This new agreement is unique in Canada," said society president Dr. Krista Cassell."It brings about creative change and meaningful solutions. All three parties should be very proud of the achievements of this unprecedented contract."

Cassell said the agreement goes well beyond a pay increase, though that is significant.

"The new agreement holistically values physician expertise and time," she said.

"Traditionally, only direct patient interactions were recognized. Now, time spent advocating for patients, addressing family members' concerns, maintaining detailed electronic medical records, and insuring that no patient slips through the cracks will be acknowledged and valued."

CEO speaks of commitment to 'whole life'

Health P.E.I. CEO Melanie Fraser said the agreement is a testament to the progress that can be made when everyone works together.

She also underlined the importance of elements of the agreement that go beyond pay.

"The commitment to the whole life of our physicians is essential to attracting new doctors but more importantly to ensure that those who have already come, those who are here caring for our communities, feel valued and stay with us," she said.

The deal is backdated to April 1, and will remain in force until March 31, 2029.

The agreement was ratified with 84.1 per cent of doctors voting in favour, with a 79.6 per cent turnout for the ratification vote.