We are moving to NB next month. Whilst talking with someone there recently, they said it was hard to get a family doctor in NB due to a shortage (we are going to the Saint John area). Is this true? I'm on a daily medication which must be prescribed. I will be heading out with three months supply, but I'm concerned that we will find it hard to find a family doctor once there. Has anyone else had this problem?

Been here since April 2007, still don't have one, but Saint John may be different.

Must admit I don't miss having one as we use the after hours clinics. These are very often quicker to get an appointment than having a family doctor. Many who have FDs, still use the after hours clinics.

The after hours clinics obviously don't require you have a doctor then. Presumably they are happy to give out regular prescriptions?

Yes that is correct.

Yes...but there may be differences with some prescriptions.

We had to go through a bit of a rigmarole to get one particular prescription (that had been current in Quebec) when we moved. It involved having to go to ER at the hospital (but there was no emergency!!) for them to refer us to a particular doctor who was then able to issue a temporary prescription because he made a referral to a paediatrician who only saw kids as a result of doctor referral.

Why isn't there a groan smilie???

I'm on thyroxine and need to take one tablet each morning. I just need to make sure I'll be able to get it!

GP shortage is a major issue in Canada, apparently the gov thought they were training too many a few years ago to culled a lot of uni places. Then lots retired and a shortage was the result. Another priceless strategic health decision!

You will probably be able to get your meds from walk in clinic doctor, but it's less than ideal as they dont tend to do the things in terms of monitoring checks as often, depending on the clinic you may never see the same doc again. you also need to budget for the cost of your meds

In the past people have suggested taking your current bottle/box to show you're on it.

I don't see a problem. It'll either be easy at the walk-in clinics or you may have a couple of hoops to jump through.

At a walk-in clinic you, in essence, become its patient. You may not get the same doctor each time you visit but usually each doctor's hours are posted. There is no reason not to expect similar treatment as that from an assigned GP. They are able to refer you to specialists and will prescribe the meds you need for your condition. There is nothing second-rate about walk-in clinics. You should have no concerns about your healthcare.

With respect I would have to disagree, I am not saying that there is anything second rate about the episodic care given by docs in walk ins, but being a GP is about more than handing out prescriptions. On that basis someone with an ongoing medical issue such as the OP will be better served by a more complete relationship with a specific primary care physician.

I agree that a full-time relationship with a GP is preferable but my point to the OH was that she should not be unduly concerned if that is not initially available to her. She will receive medical care and be prescribed the drugs she needs for her condition(s).

Montreal had a GP for a number of years, but Bernie pulled the plug, so now there's not a GP in the whole of North America

Stay healthy, friends.

It's clear that you're having trouble finding your meds.

When I was working I found it difficult to see my GP during working hours, so found a 'walk-in clinic' where I was able to have allergy injections and get my prescription for thyroxine renewed, without any problems. My GP did work at the clinic, but I did not see him each time. This was in Ontario. Before your present prescription runs out try to see a Dr. at emerg. or a walk-in clinic to get a prescription with several repeats. Take along your present container to verify your dosage etc. I don't think you will have any problem

Using a 'walk- in clinic' is often a good way of finding out whether any of the drs. there are taking on new patients, or ,perhaps know of someone who is.