New Clinic in St. Stephen Receives $3.6M for Collaborative Care Expansion

The government of New Brunswick has announced a significant investment of $3.6 million to expand collaborative health services in St. Stephen, including the establishment of a standalone clinic. Health Minister John Dornan and Premier Susan Holt made the announcement at the Charlotte County Hospital, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing primary-care accessibility in the region.

During the event, Dornan highlighted the initiative’s importance, stating, “This means more people in St. Stephen will be able to get the care they need at the right place, at the right time, in their own community.” He noted that the existing collaborative care team had already outgrown its current facilities, prompting the need for a dedicated space. Since February, the clinic has successfully integrated seven healthcare professionals and accepted 310 patients who previously lacked access to a family doctor.

Expansion of Collaborative Care Teams

The New Brunswick government aims to establish and support at least 10 collaborative care teams across the province this year, with St. Stephen being the ninth location announced. The existing Charlotte County Collaborative Wellness Centre is situated on the third floor of the hospital, but the goal is to create a standalone clinic that better serves the community’s needs.

Holt explained the collaborative approach being adopted, stating, “They pulled together people and leadership to build a collaborative care team and to use the space they had to start serving patients and to start taking patients off the waitlist.” The new clinic’s location has yet to be finalized as lease agreements are still being negotiated.

The current team at the wellness centre comprises one physician, three nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, two licensed practical nurses, one respiratory therapist, and one social worker. This diverse team structure is designed to provide comprehensive care and support for patients with non-urgent medical needs, having already assisted over 2,000 individuals since its inception.

Future Goals and Collaborative Care Benefits

Dornan acknowledged that New Brunswick is not the first to implement this model of care but emphasized its benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. “Collaborative care delivers stronger healthcare for patients and enhanced support for providers,” he stated. The provincial government is committed to developing new teams in areas where they do not currently exist and reinforcing those already operational.

The initiative aligns with the broader objectives outlined in the province’s five-year health plan, which prioritizes primary care as one of six key focus areas. The government intends to establish 30 local collaborative care teams across New Brunswick over the next four years, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.

Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kathy Bockus expressed her support for the new clinic, reflecting on the collaborative care model’s advantages for healthcare workers. Bockus previously played a role in forming a local recruitment committee aimed at attracting more doctors to the area.

“Doctors today want to work in a collaborative atmosphere,” Bockus said. “It works better because it doesn’t matter who your doctor is. If you go to that clinic, you’re a member of that clinic. Your charts are there.” This emphasis on teamwork among healthcare professionals is vital for improving patient care and satisfaction.

As the government continues to announce collaborative care teams across other regions—including Campbellton, Moncton, Miramichi, Carleton North, Tantramar, Île-de-Lamèque, Fredericton, and Edmundston—the commitment to enhancing healthcare services in New Brunswick remains steadfast. At least one more collaborative care team is expected to be announced by the end of December 2023, further expanding access to essential medical services.