Nova Scotians are not being thrown off the family doctor wait list if they don’t answer their phones.
An announcement last week from Nova Scotia Health Authority caused confusion when people thought that could happen if they didn’t answer an automated call.
The intent of the calls was to confirm whether people who had registered still needed a family doctor and to update their contact information if required.
The Health Authority’s Kristen Lipscombe says they never meant to worry anyone.
“The intent was certainly never to remove people from the registry and people will not be removed if they miss that call.”
Lipscombe says people trying to ensure they stay on the list has increased the volume of calls to 8-1-1.
“Because of the recent confusion and some questions around the automated calls, the volume has gone up. We’re certainly working hard to meet the demand to ensure there are folks on the lines to answer calls.”
Lipscombe says if anyone does miss the call, they can dial 8-1-1 to confirm they’re still looking for a family physician.
Nova Scotia Health Authority update on automated Need A Family Practice calls. https://t.co/lihPJPomwY pic.twitter.com/QTVQFkqXFr
— NS Health Authority (@HealthNS) November 30, 2017
