Government provides update on health-care system

Release

Office of the Premier, Department of Health

April 29, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has provided an update on the state of health-care in New Brunswick, emphasizing a commitment to transparency, measurable progress and continued action in areas where challenges remain.

Premier Susan Holt said New Brunswickers expect openness when it comes to the performance of the health-care system.

“New Brunswickers deserve clear and honest information about their health-care system,” said Holt. “We are seeing progress, and we are making significant investments to move the system forward. At the same time, we know there are still real challenges, particularly when it comes to access, and we will continue to be transparent about both.”

Health Minister John Dornan said improving patient attachment data and access to primary care remain top priorities.

“New Brunswickers want to see real improvements in access to primary care and to know that more people are connected to a provider,” said Dornan. “While we are making progress, we know we are not where we need to be. That’s why our focus is on continuing to expand access and ensure more New Brunswickers can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”

The government reports progress on several fronts, including:

Primary care: The government signed a new physician services agreement on April 1, which is intended to provide greater stability and support physician recruitment and retention. There have been 14 collaborative care clinics announced across the province, including three opened in 2026, with the aim of reaching 30 clinics by 2028. To date, these 14 clinics have attached 6,853 additional patients with an expected total attachment of 22,204. 

Early results from newly opened clinics are considered promising. Fredericton’s north side has already attached more than 1,100 patients and built a full care team in a new dedicated space, while preventing hundreds more from becoming unattached. Île-de-Lamèque has stabilized patient attachment following patient roster updates and is expanding capacity with new tools and providers. Tantramar is continuing to grow, with additional patient onboarding expected in the coming months and plans underway for a new, expanded clinic space.

Workforce: Gains have been made in strengthening the physician workforce, with 67 net new physicians added last year. This is the highest net increase in the province’s history. The province has also added 15 net new family physicians this year.

Improved nurse turnover rates indicate that targeted retention payments have helped stabilize the workforce and strengthen overall system sustainability. Since April 2025, turnover at Horizon Health Network has dropped to 0.93 per cent, down from an average of 5.54 per cent the previous year. At Vitalité Health Network, turnover is 4.16 per cent, with nurse practitioner turnover at zero since July.

Doctor Hires and Exits between  April 1 2025 to March 31 2026
	in	out	net
family medicine specialists	+ 55	-40	+15
other specialists	+ 98	-46	+52
Total	+153	-86	+67

 

2025-2026 (up to March 31, 2026)
Details by zones	Family Medicine			Specialists			Total
	IN	OUT	NET	IN	OUT	NET	IN	OUT	NET
Zone 1B	9	1	8	12	4	8	21	5	16
Zone 1SE	7	7	0	19	10	9	26	17	9
Zone 2	8	9	-1	28	9	16	33	18	15
Zone 3	13	15	-2	23	13	10	36	28	8
Zone 4	9	2	7	5	1	4	14	3	11
Zone 5	2	4	-2	2	5	-3	4	9	-5
Zone 6	4	1	3	6	2	4	10	3	7
Zone 7	3	1	2	6	2	4	9	3	6
Total	55	40	15	98	46	52	153	86	67

 

Regional Health Authorities Nurse Hires and Exits, April 2025 - March 2026
	In	Out	Net
Registered Nurses	+548	-264	+284
Licensed Practical Nurses	+279	-94	+185
Total	+827	-358	+469

 

Provincial health plan: The plan includes 33 initiatives focused on improving access, quality and sustainability across the health-care system. To date, 26 per cent have been completed, including milestones such as the dementia strategy, enhanced clinical care through the Extra-Mural Program in special care homes, the New Brunswick Medical Society agreement, and the launch of the addictions and mental health court program. Work on the remaining initiatives is underway.

Fertility Treatment Reimbursement Program: To date, 378 families have been approved for funding, totalling $3.7 million in reimbursements; this is up from 154 families in the previous year, reflecting increased access and uptake as more New Brunswickers are supported in building their families.

Under the program, eligible individuals can receive reimbursement for one round of in vitro fertilization treatment up to $20,000 and intrauterine insemination services up to $10,000. This is an expansion of support compared to previous coverage levels.

29-04-26

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