New Agreement Supports Physician Recruitment and Retention

July 24, 2012 VANCOUVER - Doctors have ratified a new four-year agreement that will support ongoing efforts to recruit and retain physicians, while also improving access to specialists and care in rural and remote communities.

"Ensuring that families and seniors across British Columbia are able to access the care they need is a priority for our government," said Health Minister Michael de Jong. "We are pleased that doctors have voted in favour of this agreement. We will continue to work
collaboratively with physicians to improve the delivery of health care to British Columbians."

The agreement is valued at approximately $100 million over two years, $49 million for the first year and $51 million for the second year - a 1.5 per cent increase in each year.

Funding for the first two years of the agreement includes:
* $27 million for increased costs of providing insured services.
* $18 million to support and sustain full-service family practices in B.C. and ensure all British Columbians have access to primary care by 2015.
* $18 million to enhance access to specialty medical services.
* $14 million to respond to recruitment and retention issues for doctors on service or salary contracts.
* $10 million to enhance the supply and stability of doctors in rural and remote communities as well as access to emergency care. 
* $10 million (plus $10 million from existing) to address difficulties in recruiting and retaining specialists.
* $2.7 million to support new procedures and advancements.
* $0.5 million for shared care between specialists and GPs.

"This four-year agreement will not only support access to care for patients but also provides doctors with the support they need to deliver comprehensive care in the areas of chronic disease management, maternity care, mental health and seniors care," said de Jong. "The agreement also includes important funding to recruit and retain more specialists."

As part of this agreement, the ministry and the BC Medical Association (BCMA) have identified approximately $10 million in savings from laboratory services to offset costs.

Government and the BCMA agreed to a re-opener for 2014-15 and 2015-16. This will provide both parties the flexibility to make changes that reflect the financial environment.