The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, I rise today in this honourable House to recognize November 10 to 16 as Nurse Practitioner Week.

Nurse practitioners are essential contributors within our health care system. Whether employed in emergency departments, program areas such as cardiology, long-term care, mental health and addictions, or in primary health care, nurse practitioners provide a high quality of care for patients in our province.

Our government recognizes the tremendous service of nurse practitioners who are critical to the operations of our family care teams. These teams are expanding access to primary care by connecting over 60,000 residents.

We are proud to support nurse practitioners with initiatives and incentives such as new collective agreement provisions; signing bonuses to work in family care teams; incentives for retired nurses to return to the workforce; and grants for nurse practitioner students.

During Nurse Practitioner Week, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding opportunities for nurse practitioners and building a stronger health care system that works for everyone.

Speaker, I ask all honourable members to join me in thanking nurse practitioners for all they do to support the health and well-being of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Speaker.