The family health team at the Lamèque Hospital and Community Health Centre in Lamèque, N.B., has expanded in an effort to improve access to primary care.
Two nurses and a social worker recently joined the team, which will allow it to handle minor emergencies for patients within 48 hours by the end of April.
“We’re proud to see health-care professionals in Lamèque working together as a team to help deliver timely care to the people of Lamèque and the region,” said Premier Susan Holt in a news release Wednesday.
The team in Lamèque now consists of five physicians, three nurse practitioners, three registered nurses, one licensed practical nurse and one social worker.
The team plans to use Vitr.ai – an artificial intelligence platform that is expected to help staff quickly direct patients to the right professional.
The province says a nurse specialized in complex case management will also be integrated to provide personalized follow-up for patients who make frequent use of the health services.
“The work being done in Lamèque reflects a strong and consistent momentum in transforming our health-care system,” said Patrick Parent, assistant CEO of Vitalité Health Network. “By focusing on collaboration among professionals, we are making significant progress toward faster and more equitable access to primary care for everyone.”
Similar teams already exist elsewhere on the Acadian Peninsula in Shippagan, Tracadie and Caraquet, and another is being formed in Hautes-Terres.
“We’re working with the regional health authorities to transform how we deliver primary care so that more patients across New Brunswick can benefit from being rostered to a local, collaborative family health team,” said Health Minister John Dornan.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with communities and health-care professionals across New Brunswick, and I’m pleased to see the momentum to make more teams a reality.”
The province said it will spend $30 million in 2025-26 to expand team-based primary health care, which it hopes will reduce the pressure on emergency services.
New Brunswickers without a primary care provider are encouraged to sign up with NB Health Link.
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