Horizon Health Network and the University of New Brunswick sign partnership agreement
Author: Communications
Posted on Mar 24, 2015
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
Horizon Health Network (Horizon) and the University of New Brunswick signed a partnership agreement today marking the official opening of the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre (CHC).
The two organizations have formed a unique partnership to create the CHC, a leading practice model integrating health service delivery, education and research in a primary health care setting. With strong leadership from the UNB Faculty of Nursing, the CHC advances the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
“The new Community Health Centre expands its current practice to provide service for up to 3500 patients within the Fredericton downtown and surrounding area”, said Jean Daigle, Vice President Community, Horizon Health Network. He added “Improving access to community-based primary care is a priority of Horizon’s five-year strategic plan”.
UNB President Dr. Eddy Campbell says this partnership is a great example of social entrepreneurship.
“We want our students to have a passion for creating opportunities for themselves and others. Our goal is to give them the tools they need to bring this passion to life,” said Dr. Campbell. “This collaboration is exciting -- not only does it benefit our community’s health services, but it gives our students experiential learning experience that will fuel creative thinking and help them realize their full potential.”
To better serve patients, Horizon will continue to reallocate resources to expand community-based primary care to ensure more quality care and services are available ‘close to home’. Increasing community services provides better disease management and quality care for New Brunswick’s aging population.
“We are committed to improving access to primary care by maximizing the use of our health care professionals,” said Hon. Victor Boudreau, Minister of Health. “The creation of the community health centre is an innovative way to deliver primary healthcare services.”
An interdisciplinary team of health care providers serves the new CHC including Primary Care Providers, Registered Nurses, Licenced Practical Nurses, Registered Social Workers, nursing students and other student learners. The new facility provides outreach and primary health care services to its patients and priority populations in the downtown area. It is open 52 hours per week including three week nights.
Media contact: Natasha Ashfield