Release
Department of Health, Office of the Premier
February 24, 2026
EASTERN CHARLOTTE (GNB) – Access to primary health care in Eastern Charlotte is expected to increase thanks to a government investment in the Fundy Health Centre’s collaborative care clinic.
The government is providing $1.5 million to Horizon Health Network for infrastructure updates and additional staffing. This is expected to allow the health centre to take on the 1,138 Eastern Charlotte-area residents waiting for a primary care provider through NB Health Link.
“This investment means that every person currently on the NB Health Link wait-list in the Eastern Charlotte region will be connected with a primary care provider,” said Premier Susan Holt. “By upgrading the Fundy Health Centre and strengthening its collaborative care team, we’re making sure families have reliable, timely access to care close to home, where and when they need it most.”
Renovations will enhance access and improve patient flow within the facility. The government funding also supports the recruitment of an additional nurse practitioner and three administrative support positions to expand the clinic’s capacity.
Planning for the renovations is already underway, with work expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months. The recruitment of additional staff is taking place at the same time, to ensure the clinic is ready to expand services as soon as the enhanced space is operational.
Once renovations are complete, the added clinical space will allow the team to accommodate more allied health professionals.
Primary care is one of six priority areas outlined in the provincial health plan. The government has committed to establishing and supporting at least 30 local collaborative care teams across the province by 2028.
The regional health authorities have been working with health professionals to expand team-based care, shaping the makeup of each team based on community needs. Eleven collaborative care clinics were announced in 2025.
“Shifting to a collaborative, community-based system is how we are transforming primary health care in New Brunswick,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “Enhancing the Fundy Health Centre means more residents in Eastern Charlotte will benefit from the integrated support of a collaborative care team.”
The Fundy Health Centre, in the community of Blacks Harbour, currently has an 18-member team made up of one physician, three nurse practitioners, seven nurses (registered nurses and licensed practical nurses), a pharmacist, a social worker, a dietitian and four administrative staff.
The centre currently provides primary care to about 2,630 attached patients. It also serves another 1,500 patients through other services, including an open access clinic, transitional care services (including chronic disease management and women’s health services), outpatient services, Extra-Mural Program referrals, and discharge planning and followup care with Charlotte County Hospital.
“This expansion reflects the Fundy Health Centre’s decades-long commitment to providing high-quality, accessible and patient-centred care in this community,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon Health Network’s president and CEO. “This collaborative care team is receiving essential resources, enhanced supports and redesigned clinical space to continue onboarding patients and serving the region now and into the future.”
24-02-26
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Media Contact(s)
Sean Hatchard, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].