Tentative agreement reached between New Brunswick Medical Society, government

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Government of New Brunswick has reached a tentative agreement with the New Brunswick Medical Society.

“I am very pleased that a tentative agreement has been reached with our province’s doctors,” said Health Minister Hugh Flemming.  “The New Brunswick Medical Society has demonstrated its commitment to working with government to create a sustainable health-care system.  Throughout our negotiations the society has been true to their recent document, Care First.  Our tentative agreement contains measures that will produce additional savings without impacting the quality of care that patients receive.”

This tentative agreement applies to fee-for-service physicians. The provincial government and the New Brunswick Medical Society have agreed to withhold details until a ratification vote is held.

“New Brunswick’s doctors are pleased to continue to work with the Province to ensure the patient is at the centre of the health system,” said Dr. Lynn Hansen, President of the NBMS. “This tentative agreement moves several key initiatives forward that will improve both the quality of patient care and the sustainability of our health system for future generations.”

Pending ratification, the contract takes effect on April 1, 2014.