Provincial Health Plan

We envision a health-care system that is connected, responsive and patient-centered, where individuals receive timely support from the right providers at the right time. This means building a system where it is understood that what may work for one community or patient does not always work for another. It also means supporting a strong and sustainable workforce, embracing innovation and using data and digital tools to improve care and outcomes.

Our work will be guided by these principles: 

• Patient-centered care: Patient experience and care will be the focus of a transformed healthcare system. 
• Timely access: Everyone should have access to the care they need when they need it.
• Connection and integration: Our health systems should communicate, so patients and providers have quicker access to important data. 
• Inclusion and equity: Health care is for all, and the system should reflect that. 
• Sustainable: The system will be built to last with a focus on workforce and efficiency.

Primary care, workforce, seniors, mental health and addictions, acute care and connected care are the six focus areas of New Brunswick’s health plan. These focus areas are deeply interconnected, with primary care and a strong, supported workforce at the core. 

When primary care is accessible and well-staffed, it reduces the strain on acute care, supports seniors hoping to remain healthy at home and ensures mental health and addiction needs are addressed earlier. 

Goal: New Brunswickers have equitable and appropriate access to quality primary care services.

A resilient workforce is the foundation for all areas, enabling timely care, compassionate service and innovation across the system. 

Goal: A supported and sustainable healthcare workforce in New Brunswick.

Senior care depends on seamless coordination with primary care, home care and mental health services. 

Goal: Seniors have the support and resources to achieve the best possible health outcomes to age in place.

Mental health and addictions services are strengthened when closely linked to both primary and acute care.

Goal: New Brunswickers are effectively supported with their mental health concerns, treatment, and recovery needs.

Goal: New Brunswickers are effectively supported through their recovery from substance use.

Acute care efficiency improves when patients are connected to the right service at the right time.

Goal: New Brunswickers have access to surgery when they need it.

Goal: The impacts of cancer on New Brunswickers are reduced.

Goal: New Brunswickers have timely access to Cardiovascular interventions and procedures.

Connected care, through integrated digital systems, ties all of this together, enabling communication, information sharing and coordinated decision-making.

Goal: New Brunswickers receive coordinated, timely and personalized care through a fully integrated digital health ecosystem.

While each focus area needs individual attention and initiatives, it is essential that they do not operate in silos. New Brunswick’s healthcare progress depends on collaboration and only by working as a unified system can we achieve lasting improvements in health and care.

Investing in these essential components will create a stable healthcare system that delivers long-term, high-quality care for everyone. The following actions will support the success and sustainability of this plan.

People, training and development
We will invest in training and resources to support health-care professionals, ensuring they have the tools to provide high-quality care. This will include ongoing professional development and creating more supportive work environments.

Technology 
Modern digital solutions like centralized waitlist systems and digital health records will streamline patient information exchange, improving communication and reducing duplication. These tools will help healthcare providers deliver timely, effective care across regions.

By investing in training, implementing digital tools to streamline workflows, and using data for better decision-making, we can simplify the health-care journey for both patients and providers, improving communication, care delivery, and outcomes while ensuring value for money. 

Data 
Strengthening our ability to collect and analyze clinical and operational data will enable evidence-based decision-making. This will provide a clearer understanding of health system performance and help address population health needs.

Health research and innovation
We will prioritize health research to drive innovations and inform policy decisions. This focus will advance treatments, improve patient outcomes and guide improvements across the healthcare system.

Infrastructure 
Upgrading aging health-care facilities, expanding access in rural areas, and supporting digital infrastructure are key to delivering high-quality, accessible care. We will ensure that all environments where care is provided are safe and supportive.

Strategic partnerships

Collaborating with academic institutions, municipalities, non-government organizations, and First Nations is essential for creating a responsive and equitable healthcare system. These partnerships will enable shared resources, aligned efforts and solutions tailored to New Brunswick’s needs.

"Primary care, workforce, senior care, mental health and addictions, acute care and connected care are all deeply interconnected. Progress in one area strengthens the others, and gaps in one can impact the whole system. Let’s move forward with purpose and determination, knowing that the health and well-being of New Brunswickers are at the heart of everything we do."

Click here to view the previous provincial health plan.