New Brunswick After-Hours Clinics Face Closure Amid Financial Strain

A doctor in New Brunswick has raised concerns about the sustainability of after-hours clinics, citing financial difficulties that could lead to their closure. Dr. Mark Waite, who works part-time at the Coverdale After Hours Medical Clinic in Riverview, emphasized the challenging conditions faced by physicians, especially as many patients remain without a family doctor.

The clinic’s owner, Stacey Laine, revealed that she does not draw a salary and often uses her own funds to cover operational costs. “In the current fee structure for after hours, because I pay the physician, what I am left with to run the overhead, pay my staff, and cover payroll taxes is $8.83 per patient,” she explained. This financial strain has made it increasingly difficult to retain medical staff, as the compensation for after-hours work is significantly lower than other available positions.

Dr. Waite expressed disappointment that the new Physician Services Agreement, ratified by the provincial government and the New Brunswick Medical Society, did not include an increase in fees for after-hours services. He noted that the fee for walk-in clinics has remained unchanged at $29 per patient since 2001. “This is 28 years with a zero percent increase,” he stated.

In November 2025, the province announced a $270 million agreement aimed at introducing new compensation models that reward physicians for patient attachment and participation in team-based practice. While initiatives like NB Health Link and eVisitNB have been launched to assist those without a family doctor, Dr. Waite maintains that after-hours clinics play a crucial role in the healthcare system.

“Walk-in clinics are open to everyone who needs them,” he added. “This includes patients requiring acute care for infections, as well as those with chronic conditions who need follow-up care.” He highlighted that after-hours clinics serve as essential resources for individuals who are not enrolled in programs like NB Health Link.

Laine is determined to keep her clinic operational but acknowledges the challenges. “I’ve had my moments where I think my head hurts but then I think ‘no,’ because where are they going? They’ll be sitting in emergency,” she remarked. This sentiment reflects the pressing need for accessible medical services in the community.

The Department of Health in New Brunswick has indicated that further details on the Physician Services Agreement will be disclosed once it is officially signed, leaving many in the medical community waiting for clarity on their future. As the financial viability of after-hours clinics hangs in the balance, the implications for patient care and access to medical services remain significant.