Interim solution established to provide primary care for eligible patients in Tantramar area

(SACKVILLE) – Certain patients in the Tantramar area who have recently lost their family physician will have access to a primary care clinic.

Horizon is actively working on a comprehensive plan to enhance the availability of primary care options in the Tantramar area, including the establishment of a community health centre. This clinic is the first step in this plan.

While we work to recruit new physicians and nurse practitioners to the area, this clinic will provide short-term primary medical care for patients of Drs. Cathy Johnston and Andrea Wall, who will soon close their family practices.

“This clinic is the result of a collaborative effort from our primary care team and physicians who are dedicated to ensuring continuity of safe and quality care for these patients,” said Richard Lemay, Primary Health Care Director for the Moncton area. “This interim solution also shows our dedication to this community and moving forward to build a primary care model that serves its needs.”

The clinic will be located at the Tantramar Community Health Centre, 2 Main St., Sackville.

Appointments may be provided in-person or virtually, depending on patient’s needs and the resources available. Priority will be given to those with urgent and chronic medical needs. These patients will be contacted by clinic staff by the end of September to assess their need for an appointment.

Horizon will contact other eligible patients of Drs. Johnston and Wall about how to book an appointment at this clinic at a later date.

This clinic, which will be staffed by a combination of physicians and nurse practitioners, does not offer walk-in services. All appointments must be booked and, again, are only available for eligible patients of Drs. Johnston and Wall.

We encourage anyone without a primary care provider to join the Patient Connect NB registry.

Patients who have non-urgent medical needs are encouraged to visit SoWhyWait.ca to help choose the best option for care. This can include consulting with your local pharmacist, booking an appointment through eVisitNB, consulting with a clinician by calling Tele-Care 811 or visiting your nearest after-hours clinic.

Horizon is making progress in its collaborative work to improve access and the delivery of health care services in the Tantramar area. We are committed to keeping our community members informed of these developments and look forward to sharing more information soon.

Improving access to primary care is a key priority in Horizon’s plan to improve health care in New Brunswick. This plan is focused on retention and recruitment efforts, in addition to 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.

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