Niagara Falls MPP calling for increased nurse practitioner access

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO NDP CAUCUS
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As a key priority back in Queen’s Park, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates called for increased access to nurse practitioner services in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where thousands of people are currently without a primary care provider. 

“More than a year ago, Ford promised our Niagara community that he would send resources for a nurse practitioner in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” said MPP Gates. “The Town desperately needs nurse practitioners, and the Premier has repeatedly failed to act. I am calling on the Premier to immediately ensure the people of Niagara-on-the-Lake get the public nurse practitioner services they need."

Approximately 8,000 residents in Niagara-on-the-Lake do not have a primary care physician. The Ministry of Health was in touch with the town over a year ago, but there has been no update from the Ministry since that time.  

Last October, MPP Gates and Niagara-on-the-Lake Mayor, Gary Zalepa, wrote to the Minister demanding an update on the nurse practitioner and has raised the issue previously in Question Period and committee.  

“While the Premier is distracted and playing politics, the people of Niagara-on-the-Lake need urgent primary care,” said Gates. “They deserve an answer from this government, and they deserve public, accessible primary care.” 

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