Release
Department of Health
June 11, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Virtual Care NB will be the province’s new virtual health-care service.
It will provide New Brunswickers with access to virtual care seven days a week, offering bilingual services and access to other parts of the provincial health-care system.
“Virtual care is a key part of our health-care system – and will continue to be,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “We are excited to introduce Virtual Care NB as the new home of virtual care and another step toward building a more connected primary care system. Patients should continue to seek care from their primary care provider first whenever possible, with virtual care serving as an important complement to those services.”
The government is transitioning to a new virtual care service provider, with Virtual Care NB set to be fully implemented by June 30. People will be able to access the service through a webpage, as well as through the MyHealthNB website and mobile app, or through Tele-Care 811.
Virtual Care NB service providers will be able to assess and treat many common illnesses, injuries, infections or general health concerns.
The service will offer scheduled appointments, including appointments by video or phone, replacing the virtual waiting room model. It will be available to all New Brunswickers with a valid medicare card. No account or specific app will be required to access care.
Virtual care is moving to a guided-entry model that helps patients access the care that best meets their needs. The online symptom checker and Tele-Care 811 will now serve as the main entry points – assessing patient needs, offering navigation support and guiding people to the appropriate care. Depending on their needs, patients will be directed to their primary care provider, pharmacists, virtual care, medical clinics, addictions and mental health services, urgent or emergency care, or other services.
“This approach integrates virtual care within the broader health-care system and helps ensure patients are connected to the most appropriate care for their needs,” said Dornan. “Linking virtual care with existing services will help New Brunswickers navigate the health-care system and access the right care, at the right time, by the right provider.”
The Department of Health conducted a review of virtual care in the province to ensure services meet the evolving needs of patients. This review included an analysis of more than 500,000 patient interactions and engagement with 19 Canadian vendors. The resulting procurement process led to the selection of a new provider and a redesigned service model.
“Nurse Practitioners of New Brunswick recognizes the government of New Brunswick's decision to transition virtual care services to a new vendor,” said Sharon Hamilton, the group’s president. “As the implementation moves forward, our priority remains ensuring that nurse practitioners are able to provide safe, comprehensive and patient-centred care to New Brunswickers. We will continue to engage with government, the virtual care services provider and our members to support a successful transition and to identify and address any challenges that may impact patient care or the ability of nurse practitioners to practice to their full scope. Nurse Practitioners of New Brunswick remains committed to advocating for both patients and the nurse practitioner profession as virtual care services evolve in our province."
The current provider will continue delivering services throughout the transition period, until June 30, to ensure continuity of care for patients.
11-06-26
Related links
Related topics
Media Contact(s)
Sean Hatchard, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].