Even though Newfoundland and Labrador’s recruitment efforts aren’t quite moving the needle in terms of vacancies, officials believe they are making a difference.

The province says more than 40 physicians and 170 nurses have agreed to work in Newfoundland and Labrador since the start of the fiscal year.

Despite those numbers, Debbie Molloy, Vice President of Human Resources at NL Health Services, says vacancy rates in the province remain largely unchanged.

As an example, she says the overall vacancy rate includes casual positions. She says when that onion is peeled back, they are making strides because permanent positions are being filled.

Health Minister Tom Osborne is pleased with the recruitment numbers coming in.

He says the recruitment offices set up both in government and the health authority are starting to “get their legs underneath them” and they are starting to see the results of those efforts.