New Brunswick has chosen a new vendor to deliver virtual care services across the province, with the transition set for April 1.
Health Minister John Dornan said the change follows a comprehensive review of more than 500,000 appointments and consultation with 19 national and international vendors.
“Virtual care is an integral part of New Brunswick’s health-care system, and let me be clear: it will continue to be available to all New Brunswickers,” Dornan said in a statement Feb. 10.
Vendor selection process
The Department of Health conducted a request for information with vendors before launching a competitive request-for-proposals process.
The selected vendor has 28 years of experience serving New Brunswick residents and employs 150 people in the province. All patient records will be stored in Canada, according to the province.
The company provides services in both English and French. Contract negotiations are currently underway.
Implications for employers
Virtual care can reduce employee time away from work by eliminating the need for in-person medical appointments during business hours.
The provincial platform provides all New Brunswick residents with access to remote health care consultations, which can address non-emergency medical concerns without requiring employees to take extended time off.
The province said it expects no interruption in virtual care services during the transition to the new vendor.
