The Minister of Health takes exception to some of the recent comments made by a physician in Grand Falls-Windsor who is closing her practice amid concerns over what she says is a lack of movement on the evolution of family medicine in the province.

Tom Osborne and former NLMA President Kris Luscombe spoke with reporters today on the development of a new family care team in Grand Falls-Windsor.

The new clinic, in the Lynken Building on Lincoln Road will accommodate 21 staff members including two physicians, a nurse practitioner, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a psychologist and other health professionals and medical office assistants.

Dr. Sarah Clancy announced that she will be closing her family practice in Grand Falls-Windsor after 10 years.

Across the street is a health hub, which she says she may start working at.

She says at the health hub she would receive better pay and more support, such as locums who can come in and cover if she becomes sick.

Clancy says it makes no sense for her to stay at her own practice, when she can get a better life balance across the street. She says it is frustrating that she has to provide a form of “broken” care in order to do the right thing for herself.

Meanwhile, Minister Osborne has announced new incentives for those involved in family practice in Grand Falls-Windsor and Deer Lake.

The added incentives will be for physicians in Grand Falls-Windsor, Deer Lake and increased incentives for Labrador.

A family physician signing a new contract in Grand Falls-Windsor or Deer Lake will receive a $200,000 incentive. The $200,000 incentive for family physicians signing on for practice in Labrador has increased to $300,000.

The NLMA and government are currently in discussions to begin negotiations for the next Memorandum of Agreement.