More patients have access to prenatal care in Fredericton area thanks to expansion of Horizon clinic

All New Brunswickers deserve accessible and quality health care and a positive patient experience, and this initiative is one example of how Horizon is committed to providing that every day.

(FREDERICTON) – Following a successful pilot, a prenatal program in the Fredericton area has expanded to offer appointments four days a week, increasing access to care for pregnant individuals who do not currently have a primary care provider. The clinic is able to serve, on average, 45 additional patients every month.

The program, which was launched in June 2023, provides prenatal care for those without a primary care provider in the Fredericton and surrounding areas. From the pilot’s launch to the end of May 2024, 536 patients have been seen, representing a total of 3,352 visits.

“We’re excited to see the success of this program and to be able to help pregnant individuals receive care during such an important time,” said Dr. Ash McLellan, Horizon’s Medical Director for the Fredericton and Upper River Valley areas. “By providing increased access to prenatal care, we’re ensuring patients receive critical services and we’re helping hundreds more individuals in the Fredericton area.”

Patients with a positive pregnancy test can self-refer by calling the clinic at any time during their pregnancy.

“We encourage patients to call the referral line as soon as they find out they’re pregnant to ensure timely access to routine care,” said Dr. Kim Butler, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH). “Routine pregnancy care, such as growth and blood pressure monitoring, is important for the safety of the baby. Some of the bloodwork and other investigations are time-sensitive, so by offering this program, we’re helping ensure access to this timely care.”

The program was moved in February from the DECRH to clinical space located at 1015 Regent St. to accommodate the expansion and provide convenient access for patients outside of the hospital.

Pregnant individuals in the Fredericton area without a primary care provider can self-refer to this program at any time during their pregnancy. To register for this program, call 506-259-0798.

Horizon has a plan to improve health care in New Brunswick. Our plan is focused on retention and recruitment efforts and improving the overall patient experience by addressing patient flow and access to services. Further details about Horizon’s four priority areas are available at HorizonNB.ca. This initiative also supports the Government of New Brunswick’s provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action.

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