Release
Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Office of the Premier
April 22, 2026
SALISBURY (GNB) – Seniors and people with disabilities in special care homes now have access to nursing and clinical support through the Extra-Mural Program.
Making special care homes part of the health-care system’s front-line services is intended to provide integrated care and reduce the strain on hospitals. Services provided by program nurses include clinical oversight, medication and injection support, chronic disease management, wound care, palliative care, in-home vaccinations, mobile diagnostics co-ordination, and non-911 first-response care.
“Today, more than 7,000 New Brunswickers are getting nursing care where they are – not in a hospital bed, but in their home,” said Premier Susan Holt. “By bringing the Extra-Mural Program into every special care home in our province, we’re connecting seniors to primary care, improving their quality of life, and easing pressure on our hospitals so they can focus on emergencies and surgeries.”
The program has been expanded to include all 424 special care homes in the province.
“This announcement shows our focus on improving long-term care and supporting seniors to age with dignity and comfort,” said Seniors Minister Lyne Chantal Boudreau. “We are enhancing access to essential care, helping seniors live healthier lives and remain as independent as possible, within their communities and close to their families.”
“This program helps ensure residents feel supported and cared for by connecting them directly to primary care support and guidance from health-care professionals,” said Social Development Minister Cindy Miles. “It allows seniors and people living with a disability to receive personalized support in an environment they call home, while also helping our health-care system respond more effectively to their needs.”
“Integration of the Extra-Mural Program in special care homes supports our health-care network by addressing key pressures,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “Providing nursing care directly within these facilities ensures residents’ health needs are met while alleviating demands on acute care services.”
“This initiative strengthens the teams in place to support residents,” said Ginette Pellerin, vice-president of the Extra-Mural Program. “Through training and resources, we are empowering staff to provide better care services.”
Operators of special care homes also recognize the impact of the initiative.
“This milestone reflects years of strong collaboration between government, health-care partners and the special care home sector,” said Jan Seely, CEO of the New Brunswick Special Care Home Association. “Today, more than 7,000 residents are supported with consistent clinical oversight in the place they call home, and operators and staff have direct access to nursing guidance, training and support in emergencies and complex care situations. It’s a significant step forward in ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place.”
22-04-26
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Media Contact(s)
Kate Wright, communications, Department of Social Development, [email protected].