The government of New Brunswick has unveiled a new strategy outlining six key priorities to enhance the province’s healthcare system. Health Minister John Dornan emphasized the importance of ensuring every resident has access to a family doctor as a top priority. Dornan expressed his belief that if all New Brunswickers have primary care access to maintain wellness and avoid hospital visits, the government’s objective would be achieved.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of collaborative-care clinics, with six already operational and plans to add at least four more by year-end. The government aims to have a total of 30 such clinics by 2028. These clinics will offer various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and mental health specialists, tailored to the specific needs of each community.
Currently, only 77% of residents have a primary-care provider, with a goal to increase this to 79% by the end of the year and 85% by 2028. While concrete data on the clinics’ impact is pending, Dornan noted positive feedback indicating that individuals are benefiting from the new healthcare facilities.
The six priority areas highlighted in the strategy are primary care, workforce, seniors, urgent care, mental health and addictions, and connected services. Premier Susan Holt emphasized the plan’s focus on ensuring patients receive effective and timely care.
Dornan emphasized “respectful care” for seniors as a key priority, citing the lengthy waitlist for nursing home beds in the province. The government aims to enhance community health support for seniors and improve access to care services.
Holt highlighted the importance of connected care as a priority, emphasizing the need to increase the adoption of electronic medical record systems among clinicians to ensure integrated and effective patient care. Initiatives like MyHealthNB aim to empower patients by providing digital access to their health records.
In conclusion, the government’s healthcare strategy aims to address key healthcare challenges in New Brunswick and improve access to quality care for all residents.