The provincial government has announced efforts to increase the number of nurse practitioners in the health care system.

The regional health authorities are beginning efforts to recruit nurse practitioners across the province, especially in rural areas.

The aim is to employ nurse practitioners at collaborative community team clinics that will be established throughout the province.

According to the Department of Health, most of the province’s nurse practitioners are currently working in emergency departments and other specialty program areas such as urology, cardiology, nephrology, long-term care and mental health and addictions.

It’s hoped that bringing more nurse practitioners into primary care will help to alleviate pressure on the province’s emergency departments.