The NBMS set an ambitious agenda for the second quarter of 2024, with the core objectives of listening, hearing and acting on your ideas and concerns. Now, taking a moment to reflect upon all the events, programs, advocacy work and other initiatives we have implemented during this time, it is rewarding to see how much we have accomplished as an organization.
After hosting a Pre-Budget Health Stakeholder Forum with the New Brunswick Nurses Union and several other healthcare associations at the beginning of the year, the NBMS, in partnership with the Department of Health, re-convened provincial health-care partners for a Primary Care Summit on May 31st. Over 140 physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, patient advocates, physician assistants, health-care administrators, and other allied health professionals attended the Summit to learn about the patient medical home model of care and outline actionable steps to move New Brunswick toward a more organized, efficient and sustainable patient-centered health-care system. A detailed recap of the Summit can be found in this issue here.
We also presented the remaining three of five Regional Forums, with Saint John, Florenceville and Moncton joining Saint Andrews and Bathurst as host communities. Replacing the former President’s Tours, these Forums provided opportunities for members to learn more about the activities of the Society, and to provide feedback and express concerns about the state of health care in a comfortable, receptive environment. More information on the Regional Forums is available here.
Another significant milestone from the past few months was the presentation and ultimate Board approval of the Governance Review Committee’s (GRC) final report and recommendations. Following over 18 months of consultation, research, meetings, and member and external feedback, it is exciting to have reached the stage of presenting the proposed changes to the NBMS membership for consideration. A full review of the GRC’s work to date is here.
Looking ahead, with a provincial election looming in the fall, much of our focus in the coming months will be on ensuring health care is top of mind for candidates and voters. We will be ramping up our advocacy at the community level this summer, providing candidates with a clear picture of what needs to happen to stabilize our health-care system for future transformation.
We are also looking forward to gathering in Miramichi on October 5th for the 2024 Physician Summit, Annual General Meeting and Celebration of Medicine Awards Gala. Planning for these events is well underway and registration will open in the coming weeks.
Dr. Paula Keating, President
René Boudreau, Chief Executive Officer
