Health care NB Perspective Bill Fraser, MLA – Miramichi Bay du Vin Official Opposition House Leader Opposition Health Critic New Brunswick Legislative Assembly

Common Challenges Aging population Unhealthy lifestyles Human resources High expectations Escalating costs

Health care budget in NB $2.5 billion in % of total provincial budget Continuing to grow at a rate of 6-8 % per year.

New Provincial Health Plan Building a stronger primary care system Streamlining administration E-Health Long-term care strategy Quality improvement and accountability

PRIMARY CARE

Family doctors Percent of residents who have a personal family doctor 92.6% Male % Female %

How quickly appointment can be made with personal family doctor (% on same or next day) 30.3% Male % Female %

Model of Care Used Most Often Family doctor – 61.9 % Emergency department – 12.0 % After hours/walk-in clinic – 18.5 % Community health centre – 1.4 % Other – 6.3 %

Pay Structure for NB doctors Fee for service – paid based on the # of patients seen Salaried – same compensation regardless of how many patients

CATASTROPHIC DRUGS

Catastrophic Drug Coverage by Province Nova Scotia – yes Newfoundland & Labrador – yes Quebec – yes Ontario – yes Manitoba – yes Saskatchewan – yes Alberta – yes British Columbia – yes Prince Edward Island – NO New Brunswick - NO

MS Society leads grassroots lobby effort for catastrophic drug coverage for ALL provinces

LONG-TERM CARE

Aging Population Fewer taxpayers More users for health and senior services

Acute care vs. long-term care

“Keeping seniors independent longer saves on future long-term care costs.” - Margaret Manderson, Miramichi Senior Citizens Home Miramichi Seniors Citizens Home Inc.

Innovative ways to keep seniors living independently longer Day Programs

Innovative ways to keep seniors living independently longer Meals on Wheels

Innovative ways to keep seniors living independently longer Lifeline

“We’re working to transform long- term care.” Ken McGeorge Executive Director York Care Centre

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