The province will expand a collaborative care team in Nackawic-Millville, strengthening access to primary health care for residents in the region.
Horizon Health Network is being provided with $1.7 million to enhance collaborative care clinic operations at the Nackawic Health Centre. The funding, supporting infrastructure upgrades and additional staffing, will help the 1,163 Nackawic-Millville-area residents currently waiting for a primary care provider on the NB Health Link wait-list within the next 12 to 15 months.
“This investment directly helps patients in Nackawic-Millville get the care they need, closer to home,” said Premier Susan Holt in a news release. “By expanding team-based primary care, we are not only improving access and continuity for patients, but also making it easier for health-care providers to work together, share expertise, and focus on delivering better outcomes for the people they serve.”
Horizon has signed a lease for about 360 square metres of additional clinical space within the health centre building. The team will provide health-care services out of both clinic locations within the building. Planning for renovations is already underway, with the new space expected to open by this fall.
The funding will add new staff, including two nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, two licensed practical nurses, a social worker, a respiratory therapist, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and three administrative support workers. Several positions have already been filled, while recruitment is underway for another; some staff are set to join the team when the new space opens.
The regional health authorities have been working with health professionals to expand team-based care, shaping the makeup of each team based on community needs. Nackawic-Millville is the 13th collaborative care clinic announced by the government since April 2025 and the second this year, following Eastern Charlotte (Blacks Harbour district).
“Collaborative care means better, more connected health care for patients and stronger support for providers,” said Health Minister John Dornan in a release. “The expanded team of primary care and allied health professionals and support staff at the Nackawic Health Centre shows how we are building a stronger health system through team-based care.”
The Nackawic Health Centre currently provides care to about 2,680 patients. It also offers other health-care services, such as outpatient care, blood collection, electrocardiograms, nursing assessments and sexual health services.
“By expanding our clinical space and growing our collaborative team, we are strengthening our ability to provide timely, comprehensive care close to home,” said Ashley Calvert, interim vice-president of community for Horizon Health Network in the release. “Most importantly, this growth means we can connect every unattached resident in this community with a primary care provider.”
Primary care is one of six priority areas outlined in the provincial health plan. The government has committed to establishing and supporting at least 30 local collaborative care teams across the province by 2028.
