N.S. considers expanding use of family practice anesthetists

A family practice anesthesiologist (FPA) is a family doctor with additional training and certification in anesthesia. They provide general and local anesthesia for non-complex cases that don't require a subspecialist. The role’s been used for years in other parts of the country, including Ont. and B.C. In Mar., a two-month trial at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital used two FPAs to expand capacity at the hospital's surgical department. The government says the use of FPAs needs more assessment before the role can be incorporated into the province’s healthcare system.