Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Health and Community Services and Dr. Pat Parfrey , NL Health Services CEO, provided an update on Health Accord NL progress on Aug. 28, 2025. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy/The TelegramArticle contentThe provincial government and NL Health Services (NLHS) provided an update on the progress of Health Accord NL on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentNLHS CEO Pat Pafrey said that three years ago, 128 stakeholders came together and produced 59 calls to action for the government to implement. The core aims of these action items, Parfrey added, were increased awareness and intervention in social determinants of health and rebalancing health care delivery. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentOf those 59, Parfrey said that 34 action items have already started, with 25 in policy development, which means there are no actions not started. Article contentParfrey broke down the update by community care, surgery/hospital care and rural improvements. So, here is what you need to know about the Health Accord NL update. Article content“We’re ahead of schedule,” said Parfrey. Article contentCOMMUNITY CARE IMPROVEMENTSArticle contentAccording to Parfrey, improving community care revolved around three key areas: family care teams, increased virtual care to fill gaps, and the integration of air and road ambulances. Article contentCurrently, 21 of 35 family care teams are operational with a total of 112,507 patients connected so far. There are two family care teams still in development due to recruitment and retention efforts, said Parfrey. Article contentHowever, 41,663 patients are still waiting to be connected to one of these family care teams. Article contentArticle contentOn virtual care, Parfrey said that it has contributed to a sharp reduction in emergency room diversions. In the last quarter, nearly 15,000 people who went to emergency rooms had their care provided virtually. Article content“And we know that the people are happy with the care they’re getting through that virtual doctor,” said Parfrey. Article contentParfrey added that 7,700 people have also been able to access primary care through virtual doctor appointments. Article contentMoving ahead, Parfrey said that negotiations are near complete with Medavie on a 10-year contract for integrated air and road ambulance with provincial dispatch, dynamic deployment, accreditation, and management accountability.Article contentParfrey said that NLHS has hired a clinical chief for medical transport. Article content Dr. Pat Parfrey, NL Health Services CEO, said that they are ahead of schedule on Health Accord NL progress. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy/The TelegramArticle contentSURGICAL IMPROVEMENTS On the hospital side of things, Parfrey said there is a lot of progress being made. For cardiac surgery, the waitlist has dropped from about 200 to 137 due to its cardiovascular and stroke program. Article contentParfrey added that 95 per cent of cardiac surgeries are meeting the national benchmarks. There has also been a seven per cent increase in cardiac catheterizations; Parfrey mentioned a fourth cath lab would be opening soon.
What you need to know about Health Accord NL progress update
