The government of New Brunswick has unveiled a health-care strategy with six key priorities to enhance the province’s healthcare system. Health Minister John Dornan emphasized the importance of ensuring every resident has a family doctor, aiming to prevent illnesses and reduce hospital visits.
The government’s focus includes the establishment of collaborative-care clinics, with six already in operation and plans to add at least four more by year-end. By 2028, the goal is to have 30 such clinics across New Brunswick.
These clinics will offer a range of health-care services tailored to the community’s needs, including primary care, workforce support, care for seniors, urgent care, mental health and addictions services, and connected care. The ultimate aim is to provide effective and timely care to patients.
Dornan highlighted the positive impact of the new clinics on patients, noting that many are now connected with family doctors and receiving prompt care. Premier Susan Holt emphasized the importance of patient-centric care and ensuring individuals receive appropriate care at the right time and place.
The next priority for Minister Dornan is providing respectful care for seniors, addressing the current waitlist for nursing home beds and improving community support for seniors with complex care needs. Holt stressed the importance of expanding support services for independent seniors, including initiatives like Nursing Home Without Walls.
Furthermore, the government is working on enhancing connected care by promoting the use of electronic medical record systems among clinicians. Holt emphasized the significance of digital connectivity in healthcare to ensure seamless access to patient records and improve overall care delivery.
