Regional Health Authorities

New Brunswick has two regional health authorities (RHAs): Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network.

The majority of healthcare services delivered outside of a private physician’s office are delivered through the two RHAs. Together, they are responsible for managing and delivering Hospital Services, Community Health Centre Services, Extra Mural Services, Addictions and Mental Health Services and most Public Health Services. Services are offered in a variety of settings: at hospitals on both an in-patient and out-patient basis, at home, in schools, in clinics and in other community settings.

RHAs do not manage the delivery of long term care through facilities such as nursing homes and special care homes.

The RHAs are each distinct corporate entities with a partially-elected, partially appointed Board of Directors. The chief executive officer of each of the RHAs reports to the Minister of Health.

The Minister of Health has oversight of the budgets, strategic direction, and major initiatives of the RHAs.

Language of Operation

Both RHAs must provide healthcare services in both of New Brunswick’s official languages. The primary language of the Board of Directors and administration of Horizon Health Network is English. The primary language of the Board of Directors and administration of Vitalité Health Network is French.