Release
Department of Health
June 18, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Health has announced changes to the management and operations of NB Health Link clinics and the list of patients waiting for a primary care provider.
NB Health Link programs will transition from Medavie Health Services New Brunswick to the province’s two regional health authorities, while responsibility for the patient wait-list will move to the Department of Health.
“Our number one priority is ensuring New Brunswickers have access to the care that they need, close to home,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “These changes will help improve co-ordination within our health-care system, strengthen oversight, and support our efforts to ensure New Brunswickers receive the care they need while building a more sustainable system for the future.”
Patients who have received care through NB Health Link programs will continue to have access to the services and followup care they need, during and after the transition. In some cases, care may be available closer to a patient’s home once the changes are fully implemented.
There will be no change in process for patients waiting for a primary care provider.
“Too many New Brunswickers are still waiting to be connected to primary care,” said Dornan. “By bringing the unattached patient wait-list under the Department of Health, we can better understand where the needs are greatest and work hand in hand with our regional health authorities to attach more patients to the care they need.”
Having NB Health Link’s clinical services overseen by Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network will further integrate these services within the provincial health-care system.
“Patients remain the priority and Horizon is committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” said Margaret Melanson, president and CEO of Horizon Health Network. “We look forward to assuming operational oversight of these important services and we are confident that aligning with NB Health Link will support a more seamless integration and pathway to permanent attachment to primary care for patients.”
“We welcome this announcement with great enthusiasm,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, president and CEO of Vitalité Health Network. “For patients, our priority will be to ensure that existing services are maintained while gradually integrating them into our local family health teams. This transition represents a wonderful opportunity to better co-ordinate care, reduce fragmentation in the health system and improve access to services for the people we serve.”
The patient wait-list is expected to transition to the Department of Health by December. The transfer of NB Health Link programs to the regional health authorities is expected to be completed next March.
Staff will be supported throughout the process and kept informed as implementation progresses and changes are finalized.
Dornan thanked NB Health Link staff for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. He expressed his appreciation for their co-operation and committed to working with staff throughout the transition as they move into integrated roles supporting the primary care system within the regional health authorities.
18-06-26
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Media Contact(s)
Clarissa Andersen, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].