More people are now receiving care through family health teams, according to Vitalité Health Network.

They have added 30,000 new patients, bringing the total to more than 164,000 across its service area.

There are currently 27 active teams, which include a newly formed group in the Campbellton area.

Additional teams are being developed in Bathurst, Dalhousie and Richibucto.

Each patient is matched with a full care team, rather than a single doctor.

This approach helps improve access by sharing responsibilities among physicians, nurse practitioners and other health professionals, according to Vitalité.

Twenty teams now offer appointments within 48 hours for minor emergencies.

Vitalité explains that the goal is to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments by providing faster access to primary care.

They’ve also rolled out a new AI transcription tool that’s now being used by 130 family doctors and nurse practitioners.

The tool transcribes consultations in real time and integrates notes directly into electronic medical records, which Vitalité says helps reduce time spent on administrative tasks.

Plans are underway to expand collaborative practices, recruit more professionals and include public health and mental health services in the model.

Vitalité aims to connect all patients in its territory with a primary care provider by 2029.