An increase in the number of newborns being referred to designated newborn clinics in the province is troubling, says the Nova Scotia NDP. The clinics, called unattached newborn clinics, were launched by Nova Scotia Health in December 2022 to provide care for newborns who do not have a family doctor or primary care provider.

Nova Scotians needing medical care took advantage of an alternative to a family practice visit 76,316 times last month — a figure the association representing physicians in the province is meeting with lukewarm praise.