Ten years ago, the Miramichi region established itself as a leader in providing quality health care with the opening of a new state of the art hospital. Over the past ten years, this leadership has continued. Today the Miramichi Regional Health Authority is recognized provincially as a leading organization in developing population health initiatives that focus directly on the health care needs of the area’s residents with an emphasis on prevention

The Miramichi Regional Hospital opened its doors on December 15, 1996, under the direction of the Region 7 Hospital Corporation. This new state of the art hospital was and remains today the newest regional hospital in the province. It joined and enhanced the services previously provided at the former Hotel Dieu and Miramichi Hospital facilities. The hospital provides an extensive complement of medical specialists and offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services.

The communities the organization serves has not changed in the past ten years. The organization delivers health care to communities located in Northumberland County. This includes the four villages of Baie Ste. Anne, Blackville, Néguac, and Rogersville, as well as the City of Miramichi. Ten years ago, the delivery of care was provided through a network of facilities that included the Miramichi Regional Hospital, and the four health clinics located in the region’s four villages. Today, these facilities and services have grown to include the Miramichi Medical Day Clinic that provides primary care services to over 3,000 residents in the region, the Miramichi Addiction Recovery Clinic (Methadone Program), and the services of Community Mental Health and Public Health.

In keeping with provincial health reforms in 2002, Region 7 Hospital Corporation became the Miramichi Regional Health Authority (MRHA). New guiding statements were developed to reflect the direction, scope, and philosophy of the organization. This direction encompasses the roles of Public Health and Community Mental Health partners, which have become part of a broader health authority.

The MRHA is guided by its vision of healthier people, healthier communities. The organization works with individuals, organizations, and communities to improve health and promote wellness, prevent illness and protect the public’s health, provide quality care and services, and ensure equitable access to services for the people it serves.

Since becoming a regional health authority, the MRHA has experienced many accomplishments. A few of MRHA’s proudest accomplishments include the initiation of population-based wellness programs. The Miramichi Action for Nutritional Guidance Opportunities (MANGO) pilot project was implemented in April 2002. The population-based wellness program that promotes healthy eating and active living has established community advisory committees in the City of Miramichi, the region’s four villages, and the First Nation communities of Metepenagiag (Red Bank), Esgenoopitig (Burnt Church), and Eel Ground. These committees have been active in researching their community’s needs and developing action plans to attain a healthier population. Other population based wellness programs that have been developed include the regional diabetes program, women’s wellness program, the cardiac wellness program, the early language Parle-Moi/Talk With Me program, and the COPD/Asthma clinics.

Most recently in May 2006, the MRHA was recognized as meeting national health care standards by receiving a three-year accreditation designation by the Canadian Council of Health Service Accreditation. The organization was highly praised for their leadership and commitment to providing quality care and service in the community.

Technology has been an integral part of health care over the past ten years. The Miramichi Regional Hospital was considered the most technologically advanced health care facility in the province when it opened, outfitted with the latest diagnostic imaging equipment. State of the art diagnostic equipment such as digital ultrasounds and a CT Scanner were available in the region for the first time. Over the past ten years, the organization has expanded its diagnostic capabilities adding echocardiograms, bone densitometry, a mobile MRI, and a fetal ultrasound machine. These modalities would not have been possible without the support of the Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation and their funding partners such as the Miramichi Rotary Clubs, the Canadian Progress Club Miramichi Chapter, the Miramichi Kinsman Club, the Newcastle Lions Club and many other community organizations and donors. The MRHA continues to work with its community partners and government in maintaining the most up to date equipment that meets the needs of their population.

All of these accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication, teamwork and support of the Board, staff, physicians, community partners, and volunteers.

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority is pleased with its many successes and is enthusiastic about working with their partners to achieve a healthier Miramichi population.