The New Brunswick government released a comprehensive update on the province’s health care system. The data shows historic physician hires and significant progress in primary care access. If you live in Saint John or anywhere in the province, these changes directly impact how you receive medical care. You can read the full details in the official update.

Expanding Primary Care Access

Access to a family doctor remains a top concern for residents. The province signed a new physician services agreement on April 1 to boost recruitment and retention. The government also announced 14 collaborative care clinics across New Brunswick. Three of these opened in 2026. The goal is to reach 30 clinics by 2028. So far, these 14 clinics connected 6,853 patients to care providers, with an expected total of 22,204.

Health Minister John Dornan emphasized the focus on primary care.

“New Brunswickers want to see real improvements in access to primary care and to know that more people are connected to a provider,” Dornan said. “While we are making progress, we know we are not where we need to be. That is why our focus is on continuing to expand access and ensure more New Brunswickers can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”

Historic Workforce Gains

The province added 67 net new physicians last year. This marks the highest net increase in New Brunswick history. This year, the province already added 15 net new family physicians.

Nursing staff levels also show strong improvement. Targeted retention payments helped stabilize the workforce. Since April 2025, nurse turnover at Horizon Health Network dropped to 0.93 percent from an average of 5.54 percent the previous year. Vitalite Health Network reports a 4.16 percent turnover rate, with zero turnover for nurse practitioners since July. The regional health authorities saw a net gain of 469 nurses, including 284 registered nurses and 185 licensed practical nurses.

Premier Susan Holt addressed the need for clear reporting.

“New Brunswickers deserve clear and honest information about their health care system,” Holt said. “We are seeing progress, and we are making significant investments to move the system forward. At the same time, we know there are still real challenges, particularly when it comes to access, and we will continue to be transparent about both.”

Health Plan and Fertility Support

The provincial health plan includes 33 initiatives to improve access and quality. The government completed 26 percent of these goals. Completed milestones include a new dementia strategy, enhanced Extra Mural Program care in special care homes, and a new addictions and mental health court program.

The province also expanded the Fertility Treatment Reimbursement Program. The program approved 378 families for funding, totaling 3.7 million dollars in reimbursements. This is a major increase from 154 families the previous year. Eligible individuals receive up to 20,000 dollars for in vitro fertilization and up to 10,000 dollars for intrauterine insemination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new doctors did New Brunswick hire?

The province added 67 net new physicians last year, marking the highest net increase in provincial history.

What is a collaborative care clinic?

These are team based medical clinics designed to connect more patients with health care providers. The province plans to open 30 of these clinics by 2028.

Did the nurse turnover rate improve?

Yes. Nurse turnover at Horizon Health Network dropped to 0.93 percent, down from 5.54 percent the previous year.

What does the fertility reimbursement program cover?

Eligible individuals receive up to 20,000 dollars for one round of in vitro fertilization and up to 10,000 dollars for intrauterine insemination services.