New Rheumatology Clinics for Tracadie, Île-de-Lamèque and Heron Bay

Tracadie, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Vitalité Health Network is expanding access to specialized rheumatology care through the establishment of new monthly clinics at Tracadie Hospital, the St. Joseph Community Health Centre in Dalhousie, and the Lamèque Hospital and Community Health Centre.

Patients living with autoimmune and autoinflammatory rheumatic diseases will now be able to receive their initial assessment and follow-up care directly within their region.

Led by Dr. Jean-Philip Deslauriers, this initiative aims to reduce barriers to accessing specialized care. By travelling to these communities each month, the rheumatologist helps ensure earlier treatment, better prevention of disease progression, and improved continuity of care for patients across northern New Brunswick.

This mobile clinic model has already been successfully implemented in the First Nations communities of Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau) and Ugpi'ganjig (Eel River Bar). It relies on a clinical team consisting of a specialist physician and nursing staff who travel to communities each month to provide consultations without appointments or physician referrals, ensuring timely and appropriate care.

“With these new clinics, the communities of Tracadie, Île-de-Lamèque and Heron Bay will now benefit from direct access to monthly consultations. This will be particularly beneficial for seniors and patients who require ambulance transportation, for whom travelling long distances represents a significant challenge,” said Jenny Toussaint, Vice-President of Clinical Logistics at Vitalité Health Network.

“I would like to highlight Dr. Deslauriers’ pivotal role in bringing this innovative project to life. It would not have been possible without his commitment, leadership, and generosity.”