Planning for a healthy future: review of the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital master plan

Sainte-Anne-de-Kent, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – Efforts continue to ensure quality care in Kent county. On June 12 and 13, 2024, representatives of Vitalité Health Network, Elsipogtog First Nation, the Kent Regional Service Commission’s health committee, and CIM Conseil met to work on developing the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital master plan. This is a cyclical planning exercise for spaces and infrastructures with the aim of serving the population better. 

During this two-day visit, the team explored the hospital’s facilities and discussed areas for improvement with the facility’s managers.

June 12: consultation and community dialogue

The first day was devoted to consultation with the Kent Regional Service Commission's health committee and other members of the community. They took part in a dialogue to better understand local needs. A meeting was also held with residents of the Kent region who are newcomers to understand their realities and particular needs.

June 13: engagement with Elsipogtog First Nation

On the second day, a special session was devoted to a meeting with the Elsipogtog First Nation. Further exchanges with the First Nations communities of Indian Island, Bouctouche and Fort Folly are scheduled for late August.

Roger Doiron, committee chair, is delighted about this initiative. “We are very excited that the Network has embarked on this process regarding the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital master plan, which aims to maintain and improve health care in the Kent region. The Kent Regional Service Commission team is also thrilled about community members, including newcomers and the Elsipogtog First Nation, having the opportunity to express their needs.”

Master plan for the future

The master plan is a long-term strategic planning initiative based on demographic projections, volumes of activity and community needs. The aim of this process is to formulate infrastructure recommendations to meet future needs. The final report is expected in the fall of 2024.

The recommendations resulting from this exercise will be incorporated into the Government of New Brunswick's capital planning process to help decision makers make informed decisions on the level of funding to be provided.

from left to right: Marco Ouellette, Corporate Director of Infrastructure – Vitalité; Yves Larochelle, Patient Flow Coordinator and Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital representative (acting) –Vitalité; Marc Després, Manager of Building Modifications – Vitalité; Lisa Lyn Roy, Director of Patient Flow and Logistics at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre – Vitalité; Aaron Sock, Chief of the Elsipogtog First Nation; Natasha Sock, Director of the Elsipogtog Health and Wellness Centre; Arianne Malouin, Senior Real Estate Planning Advisor for CIM Conseil; Donald Haineault, Director of Clinical Planning for CIM Conseil; and Joanna Martin, Regional Manager of First Nations Health Services – Vitalité.

From left to right: Marco Ouellette, Corporate Director of Infrastructure – Vitalité; Yves Larochelle, Patient Flow Coordinator and Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital representative (acting) –Vitalité; Marc Després, Manager of Building Modifications – Vitalité; Lisa Lyn Roy, Director of Patient Flow and Logistics at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre – Vitalité; Aaron Sock, Chief of the Elsipogtog First Nation; Natasha Sock, Director of the Elsipogtog Health and Wellness Centre; Arianne Malouin, Senior Real Estate Planning Advisor for CIM Conseil; Donald Haineault, Director of Clinical Planning for CIM Conseil; and Joanna Martin, Regional Manager of First Nations Health Services – Vitalité.