03/12/2026
Clinic/ Service Update
Over the past few weeks MSMC has had to reschedule a number of appointments due to many reasons. These include but are not limited to…
1. Having to make scheduling changes in order to staff our ER
2. Delays in scheduling our ER beyond April 1st, 2026. There are contract negotiations taking place between the NLMA and government for physicians working in smaller communities. This has led to uncertainties who would be available to cover the ER etc. Springdale and other smaller communities were challenged with planning a schedule for the ER until decisions were made at a higher level. I was just notified last week decisions regarding physician contracts has been postponed until Oct 1st, 2026. I can now plan our ER schedule and then allocate time in my clinic.
3. Our ER is being managed by limited physician resources. Dr Noel, Dr Faris, and I are doing our best to keep our ER open at all times. We are doing our best to attract locums but this is also a challenge.
4. Personal illness and vacation - doctors also get sick and unexpectedly have time off. Doctors also need vacation time periodically. It’s unfortunate when some express pure disregard for the wellbeing of health care providers.
Although I understand accessing healthcare can be frustrating, it is unacceptable to yell, swear, bully, belittle, slander, or disrespect any of my staff at MSMC. I have asked my staff to notify me when this occurs and I will manage as per our patient conduct policy.
Now that number 2 above has been temporally addressed, there will be more clinic appointments opening for April to July. My staff and I are doing our best.
Other means to access care in NL:
The Hub
811
MEDICURO
Walkin clinics
Dr Todd Young
MSMC/ Physician Lead