The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) recently hosted a series of community forums aimed at addressing the state of primary care in the province. These forums brought together residents, local leaders, and healthcare providers to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing primary care in New Brunswick.
The forums stemmed from an analysis of primary care access across the province. The NBMS identified areas of the province where at least 50 percent of family physicians are over the age of 50. The potential retirement of these physicians in the next three to five years poses an ‘at risk’ threat to the stability of primary care in those areas. Recognizing this, the NBMS embarked on a provincial tour to engage these communities, share crucial data, and equip communities with the tools needed to advocate for stronger health-care solutions during the provincial election period.
The forums were held in five communities: Sussex on September 11, 2024, which drew approximately 150 participants; Centreville on September 17, 2024, with an attendance of close to 150 people; Edmundston on September 25, 2024, with around 25 attendees; Grand Falls on September 26, 2024, also with 25 participants; and Miramichi on October 3, 2024, where about 75 people attended. In each community, NBMS shared data on the state of human resources, patient access challenges, and funding levels for primary care. Information on future health-care delivery models, such as the Patient Medical Home, which emphasizes team-based care to meet patients’ needs, was also discussed, providing attendees with tools to advocate for stronger support and improved healthcare in their communities.
Community attendees expressed concerns about recruitment and retention of health-care providers, securing adequate funding, and addressing barriers to implementing team-based care models. The forums also explored ways to leverage local organizations to support primary care initiatives and examined how attendees could directly contribute to improving healthcare in their communities.
The response to these forums was very positive. Community leaders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and collaborate on solutions. The discussions reinforced the urgent need for renewed focus on primary care in New Brunswick, particularly in “at-risk” areas, and highlighted the power of local advocacy in driving change.
As the NBMS continues its work, the message from these forums is clear: sustainable solutions require collaboration between health-care professionals, government leaders, and the public. By fostering these partnerships and prioritizing team-based care, New Brunswick can build a stronger, more resilient health-care system that ensures access for all. These forums were an important step forward in that journey, showing just how powerful community involvement can be in shaping the future of primary care.
Minha Haque, Health Promotion and Advocacy Specialist
