Family health team established in Moncton

A new family health team has been established in Moncton to improve access to primary care for patients without a regular provider.

Through planned staffing enhancements in partnership with Horizon Health Network, the Mapleton Family Health Team is expected to provide primary care to approximately 700 patients over the next year who currently do not have a primary care provider.

“This is exactly the kind of solution we need more of, as we work to improve access to health care for New Brunswickers,” said Premier Susan Holt. “Family health teams are a key priority area in our provincial health plan, as they will ensure more people have trusted providers to turn to. We are proud to support this innovative approach.”

The Mapleton Family Health Team currently includes two nurse practitioners, who transitioned to full-time roles over the summer, along with two administrative support staff. An additional nurse practitioner is expected to join the team later this year.

As the team continues to expand, the provincial government will invest up to $2.4 million to support the addition of allied health professionals, including social workers, dietitians and respiratory therapists.

The government has committed to establishing at least 30 local collaborative family health teams across the province over the next four years.

“We are seeing the momentum build behind this new model of primary care,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “It is being embraced by health-care professionals, as well as patients, and we look forward to announcing more family health teams in the coming months.”

Regional health authorities continue to collaborate with health-care professionals throughout New Brunswick to develop family health teams that respond to the unique needs of each community.

“The Mapleton Family Health Team will play a key role in enhancing access to primary care for patients in the Moncton area,” said Margaret Melanson, president and CEO of the Horizon Health Network. “This announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to team-based care as we take a more collaborative approach to delivering primary health-care services in communities throughout New Brunswick.”