Province’s Family Medicine Model adds team in Saint John

A group of six doctors in Saint John has become the second team to work under the Family Medicine New Brunswick (FMNB) model, a program intended to provide patients with enhanced access to family doctors.

“Improved access to primary health-care is a priority of your government,” said Health Minister Benoît Bourque. “This is another step toward improved access and better care at the community level.”

Doctors Keith Wilson, Gordon Hollway, Tracey Gallant, Joshua Tracey, Elizabeth Carson and Lyndsey MacDonald are the family doctors who comprise the team. They care for about 7,000 patients at Harbour Health Partners Medical Clinic.

“I am pleased that these six doctors chose the FMNB model to continue providing excellent care to the community of Saint John,” said Dr. Dharm Singh, president of the New Brunswick Medical Society. “Their eagerness to enhance their service though innovation speaks to the care and respect they each have for their patients.”

Developed by the New Brunswick Medical Society in partnership with the provincial government, FMNB aims to improve patient access, increase collaboration between doctors using technology, and create a better work-life balance for doctors. Participating doctors will work in teams in order to improve service to their patients, including after-hours.

The model is expected to aid recruitment efforts by offering young doctors a modern way to practise while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“Horizon Health Network is encouraged that another family medicine team has been put in place,” said Dr. Édouard Hendriks, the health authority’s vice-president of medical, academic and research affairs. “This is the type of primary care both our patients and physicians want. These teams will help to retain physicians and improve access for patients.”

A recent national survey indicated that 98.9 per cent of family medicine residents expect to be able to practise in a team environment.

In January 2018, a group of four doctors in Oromocto became the first team to work under the FMNB model.

More information on Family Medicine NB is available online.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Bruce Macfarlane, communications, Department of Health, 506-444-4583.

Marcelle Saulnier, communications, New Brunswick Medical Society, 506-462-4649.