Regional Health Authorities

In Canada, health authorities are entities that manage health-care services within provinces and territories. While each provincial or territorial ministry of health sets the overall health policy and direction, provincial and regional health authorities generally plan, fund and manage programs and services. 

While there are many similarities, each province and territory takes a different approach to their health authorities. 

In New Brunswick, there are two Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) that have a broad mandate to deliver health services within New Brunswick. Each RHA has a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Health.

Horizon and Vitalité offer services in both official languages and are responsible for managing and delivering services including hospital services, community health centre services, extra mural services, addictions and mental health services and most public health services. Services are offered in a variety of settings; at hospitals on both an in-patient and out-patient basis, at home, in schools, in clinics and in other community settings. 

Horizon Health Network operates 12 hospitals and more than 100 medical facilities, clinics and offices throughout New Brunswick. 

Vitalité Health Network consists of 11 hospitals and a number of community health centres, clinics and addiction service centres. The Network also offers home care and public health services.