NB Minister Touts St. Andrews Health Center as ‘Crown Jewel’ of Rural Care – New Brunswick | The Canadian News

The New Brunswick Minister of Health believes that a new medical clinic in St. Andrews, NB, is an example of how rural communities can play a greater role in shaping the future of health care.

Dorothy Shephard visited the St. Andrews Wellness Center on Monday.

Shephard said area residents now have access to two doctors, physical therapy and other services.

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“From what I heard, this is our jewel in the crown,” Shephard said at a news conference at the clinic. “This is a perfect example of what we must accomplish in rural New Brunswick to maximize all opportunities for good health care experiences.”

St. Andrews Mayor Brad Henderson said the center was developed through a financial partnership between the community and the Sir James Dunn Foundation. Opened in May.

Previously, the community had only one GP. The facility was instrumental in hiring a second doctor, Henderson said.

“There were people in our community who were waiting for a family doctor,” Henderson began. “And most of them were able to get a local doctor right here in their own wellness center.”

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While developing the new provincial health plan, Shephard said the province listened to many communities who wanted to get more involved in health care.

“By taking a more collaborative approach to healthcare and working more closely with communities, we can identify gaps in services, make the best use of our human resources, and reduce emergency department visits,” said Shephard. .