NL Health Services says this province is continuing to face recruitment and retention challenges in the health care system and the ER is no exception.

The health authority was responding to a recent national survey showing that 10 per cent of ER doctors in the country are leaving the profession due to burnout.

NLHS says its current data shows a vacancy rate of approximately 13.9 per cent across the province’s Category A emergency departments – those are ERs that operate 24 hours a day and have at least one physician dedicated to emergency services.

The health authority notes however that the figures represent vacant permanent positions and does not translate directly into service reductions or ER closures as many shifts are covered by locums or other temporary staffing arrangements.

The health authority says it is actively recruiting emergency physicians to work in the province.

NLHS says while recruitment challenges exist in some areas, many emergency departments in the province continue to have “strong” physician coverage.

It says physician wellness is an “important part” of ensuring high-quality care for patients. The health authority says it has a provincial wellness officer and physician wellness ambassadors across the province to support doctors.