NPAO statement re: South Keys Health Centre

The Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario (NPAO) represents almost 5,000 Nurse Practitioners across the province. NPAO has long been championing the expansion and the development of accessible funding models for Nurse Practitioners (NP) in Ontario, advocating tirelessly with both the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Health.

Our current healthcare system is struggling to cope with the overwhelming demand of healthcare needs, especially amongst vulnerable and underserved communities. NPs are highly educated, trained, and experienced practitioners who can meet the healthcare needs of many Ontarians, including through primary, hospital and specialty care.  Despite the government’s authorization for NPs to operate independently and establish autonomous clinics, there exists an insufficiency of easily accessible funding mechanisms. What we are seeing with the South Keys Health Center is the consequence of this lack of funding models for NP practice.  

NPs are ready and willing to work to support the healthcare needs of Ontario. NPAO will continue to be committed to working with the Ministry of Health to improve the integration of NPs in the healthcare system. We call on the Ontario government to provide the necessary funding and structures for NP services to be provided to all those who need them, without the patients having to pay the price. 

Learn more about NPAO Advocacy Initiatives on our Advocacy page.