Tories plan huge growth in nurse practitioners on P.E.I.

Progressive Conservative Party Leader Pat Binns addressed P.E.I.'s nursing shortage, promising on Friday a huge expansion of the nurse practitioner program in the province.

Binns pledged there would be 15 new nurse practitioners if the Tories are elected May 28. There are nowonly two NPs on the Island—in Souris and Hunter River.

Binns also promised 11 new neonatal nurses and new clerical positions to allow nurses more time to spend with patients.

The plan also includes resources for the summer student employment program for nursing students. Student training in medical support positions, such as radiation therapy and medical lab technicians, will also receive support.

A new mentorship program and a guaranteed place for nurses in senior management at the Department of Health are also part of the Tory program.

A re-elected Binns government would also perform security audits of all public health-care facilities on the Island.

On Thursday, Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz also said his party would further develop the nurse practitioner program, but he did not offer specifics.