If you live in New Brunswick and need a family doctor, the latest healthcare numbers offer some good news. The provincial government hired 179 net new doctors since the beginning of 2025.
This group includes 72 family medicine specialists and 107 specialists in fields like psychiatry and pediatrics. Premier Susan Holt shared these figures during a recent news conference in Fredericton. You can read the full report from CTV News.
A Historic Increase in Healthcare Workers
“We have seen the largest net increase in physicians in New Brunswick history since January 2025,” said Holt.
The province also recruited 515 new net registered nurses and 402 new net licensed practical nurses between January 2025 and August 2026.
Collaborative Care Clinics Show Results
“We are seeing the results of the model of collaborative care that our government has made a generational investment in,” said Holt.
The government announced 22 collaborative care clinics so far. These clinics will connect 29,500 residents to a primary care provider. Holt expects the province to reach its target of 30 clinics by 2027. She noted these clinics helped reduce less urgent emergency room visits by 20 percent since early 2025.
The Current State of Primary Care
While the new hires improve the system, a significant gap remains. Current data shows 619,354 people have a primary care provider in New Brunswick. However, 262,758 people still lack a family doctor. This means you or your neighbors still face wait times for primary care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new doctors did New Brunswick hire?
The province added 179 net new doctors since early 2025.
What types of doctors joined the workforce?
The new hires include 72 family medicine specialists and 107 specialists in fields like psychiatry and pediatrics.
How many people in New Brunswick still need a family doctor?
Currently, 262,758 residents do not have a primary care provider.
Are emergency room visits decreasing?
Yes, less urgent emergency room visits dropped by 20 percent since early 2025.
The percentage of people without a family doctor is inordinately high, and people in the north are losing their nurse practitioners to become RNs! Sometimes there are just no words for the mess this is.