The New Brunswick government is making changes to how NB Health Link clinics and the province’s primary care wait‑list are managed.
The Department of Health says the goal is to improve access and strengthen coordination across the system.
Health Minister John Dornan said the changes are meant to help people get care closer to home.
“Our number one priority is ensuring New Brunswickers have access to the care that they need, close to home,” Dornan said in a government release.
He said clinical services will move from Medavie Health Services New Brunswick to Horizon Health Network and Vitalite Health Network, while the patient wait‑list will shift to the Department of Health.
Dornan said patients who use NB Health Link will continue to receive follow-up care during and after the transition.
He said some people may eventually be able to receive services closer to home once the changes are fully in place.
The department said there will be no change in how people join the wait‑list or receive updates.
Horizon president and CEO Margaret Melanson said the network is committed to a smooth transition.
“Patients remain the priority, and Horizon is committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” she said.
Vitalite president and CEO Dr. France Desrosiers said the shift will help reduce fragmentation and improve access.
“This transition represents a wonderful opportunity to better coordinate care,” she said.
The Department of Health expects to take over the wait‑list by December, according to a government release.
The full transfer of NB Health Link programs to the regional health authorities is planned for next March.
Dornan thanked NB Health Link staff for their work and said employees will be supported throughout the transition.
