As you are all well aware, there are tremendous strains on the healthcare system right now, including significant challenges with access to family doctors and primary care nurse practitioners. Given this reality, I am passing on a request from the leadership of the Victoria and South Island Divisions of Family Practice. Can physicians who provide inpatient care please consider writing discharge prescriptions for longer periods (for example up to a three-month supply) if medically appropriate and safe to do so? This can relieve some of the pressure to get a more immediate appointment with a primary care provider.
As always, there is a recognition that many patients discharged from hospital require time-sensitive follow-up (as often noted in the discharge summary) and primary care providers always strive to meet these needs as best they can.
Can you please share this message with members in your South Island groups who provide MRP care?
Thank you,
Dr. Leah MacDonald, CCFP(PC), FCFP
Executive Medical Director, Primary Care and Senior’s Health