In a significant development for healthcare access in New Brunswick’s Miramichi region, provincial authorities announced today the establishment of a new family health team that will serve approximately 1,000 previously unattached patients. This initiative represents one of the most substantial investments in primary care infrastructure the area has seen in recent years.
“This expansion directly addresses the critical shortage of primary care providers that has affected many families across our region,” said Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, who will lead the newly formed healthcare team. “We’re not just adding capacity—we’re reimagining how integrated care can work in smaller communities.”
The new team, to be housed in the renovated east wing of the Miramichi Regional Hospital, will feature a collaborative approach that includes two family physicians, three nurse practitioners, a social worker, and administrative support staff. This integrated model aims to provide comprehensive care while reducing the burden on emergency departments that have seen increasing non-emergency visits from patients without regular doctors.
Health Minister Bruce Fitch emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative during the announcement. “What we’re witnessing in Miramichi is the practical implementation of our broader healthcare reform strategy. When residents have reliable access to primary care, we see cascading benefits throughout the entire healthcare system,” Fitch noted.
According to Canada News data, approximately 14% of New Brunswick residents currently lack access to a family doctor, a figure that has remained stubbornly high despite various recruitment initiatives. The Miramichi model could serve as a template for similar expansions in underserved communities across the province if successful.
Patient selection for the new practice will prioritize vulnerable populations, including seniors with chronic conditions, families with young children, and those with complex health needs. Registration details will be managed through the provincial Patient Connect NB system, with the first appointments expected to begin in early October.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with local advocacy groups praising the development as a crucial step forward. “After years of advocating for improved healthcare access in our community, this announcement represents real progress,” said Margaret Sullivan, chair of the Miramichi Healthcare Action Committee. “The collaborative approach aligns perfectly with what residents have been requesting.”
The establishment of the new health team is part of a $4.2 million provincial investment in expanding primary care services across New Brunswick. Provincial health authorities indicate that similar announcements for other regions experiencing physician shortages are forthcoming.
What remains to be seen is whether this model can be successfully scaled to address New Brunswick’s broader healthcare accessibility challenges. As our population continues to age and healthcare needs grow increasingly complex, will collaborative care teams become the new standard for delivering primary healthcare in rural communities?
