Courtesy GNB

The NB Health Link program which launched in July is showing strong results according to Health Minister Bruce Fitch.

For tens of thousands of New Brunswickers still on the orphan list known as Patient Connect NB, the program offers access to doctors and nurse practitioners.

“This service is providing people with primary care until they can be matched with a permanent primary care provider,” said Fitch.

“We know that having timely access to primary care from professionals with NB Health Link will provide better health outcomes and help prevent non-urgent visits to our emergency rooms.”

Once registered with NB Health Link, patients call a toll-free number or visit the online portal to determine whether an in-person, phone or online appointment is needed.

The program began in the Moncton Zone 1 health region this summer and the NB Health Link model will be adapted and scaled to meet the different needs of communities provincewide.

Service New Brunswick will continue its role of contacting those on the Patient Connect NB list in other health zones.

NB Health Link is being implemented in collaboration with Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick, which is managed by Medavie Health Services New Brunswick.

“We are excited to partner with the Department of Health to help deliver such a new and innovative program for New Brunswickers,” said Richard Losier, president of Medavie Health Services New Brunswick.

“We’re already getting positive feedback from people who have registered with NB Health Link and soon had an appointment with a doctor or a nurse practitioner.”

According to Zone 1 results from the province, of the more than 19,600 people contacted to date, more than 68 per cent have been reached.

• 32 per cent indicated that they have a doctor.
• 53 per cent did not have a doctor and registered for NB Health Link.
• 8 per cent did not have a doctor and chose not to register for NB Health Link.
• 7 per cent have yet to respond.

NB Health Link is gradually being expanded and next up is the Fredericton Zone 3 health region followed by the Campbellton Zone 5 health region.