The number of Nova Scotians on the Need a Family Practice Registry climbed a bit in the month of May.
According to Nova Scotia Health, 60, 579 Nova Scotians are looking for a family doctor, which is 5.5 per cent of the province and 378 more than the number on May 1.
The biggest month to month jump was in Dartmouth, which increased by 26.7 per cent. Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne combined for the next highest increase of 10 per cent.
Bedford and Sackville showed a significant decrease, with the report showing nearly half as many people still seeking a general practitioner when compared to the previous month.
The report cites “lost access to family doctor/nurse practitioner” as the most common reason for people searching for a new physician.
The health authority says the program has helped reduce the number of Nova Scotians looking for long term health care by 8.4 per cent in the last year.
