Extra-Mural Program (EMP)

The New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program (EMP) is the provincial home healthcare program that provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services to New Brunswickers’ of all ages, in their homes (personal residence, special care home, nursing home) in both official languages. 
 
The Extra-Mural Program is a publicly funded provincial program whose services are delivered by Extra-Mural/Ambulance NB Inc. The Department of Health is responsible for the overall direction of the program.

All New Brunswick residents with a valid NB Medicare card (or in the process of receiving a card) are eligible to receive services, if health care needs can be met safely in the home.

The program can help when:

• you need help monitoring and managing chronic diseases like arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and/or dementia
• you are experiencing multiple hospitalizations and/or emergency department visits
• you are experiencing falls
• you are on multiple medications and require help understanding when and how to take them properly
• you have post-hospitalization care needs 
• you are having difficulties with daily activities (bathing, dressing, preparing meals and walking) because of your health condition
• your family and caregivers need help to care for you
• you require information and support to organize your health-care needs and find services in the community so you can safely live at home
• you require palliative and end of life care and support at home
• you are a caring for a loved one who is frail and living at home and require information and support in their care

The Extra-Mural Program has the mandate to provide an alternative to hospital admissions; facilitate early discharge from hospitals; and provide an alternative to or postponement of admissions to long term care facilities (i.e. nursing homes). 
 
Home healthcare services include acute care, end-of-life care, maintenance and supportive care, and rehabilitation care and the coordination and provision of support services.

All patients will receive care coordination. Care coordination is a collaborative process involving the patient, and their family/caregiver as an equal participant in the identification of health goals and organizing of services. It helps to empower the patient to move through the system and develop independence for self-care and decision making. 
 
The Extra-Mural Program interdisciplinary healthcare professionals (service providers) include:

• your physician or nurse practitioner
• registered nurses (services provided 24 hours/day, 7 days/week basis)
• licensed practical nurses
• registered dietitians
• respiratory therapists (The Home Oxygen Program consists of acute oxygen services and long-term oxygen services for seniors.)
• occupational therapist
• physiotherapists
• speech-language pathologists
• rehabilitation assistants
• social workers
• patient care attendants

The team will work with the patient and their family/caregiver to connect them with the community resources necessary to continue living at home, such as assistive equipment (i.e. wheelchair, bath bench etc.).

You, your primary care provider or a family member can request services from the NB Extra-Mural Program.