Tele-Care 811 now answering sexual health-related questions

Bathurst, July 24, 2018 –  The population of New Brunswick can now get information about the sexual health services offered in the province through Tele-Care 811.

Since 2017, Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network have been working together with the Department of Health and Tele-Care 811’s service provider to determine consistent messages to meet the public's needs in terms of sexual health. “People can now dial 811 to reach a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; this way, they can get information and sound advice regarding a health problem, without having to go to the emergency room,” stated Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network. “This great initiative fits perfectly with one of the directions of our 2017–2020 strategic plan, which stipulates that we will ensure fair access to care and services across the Network's territory,” he added.

“This partnership will allow New Brunswickers to have quick, easy and confidential access to sexual health advice and services when they need it,” said Karen McGrath, President and CEO of Horizon Health Network. “Wherever individuals are in the province, no matter what time of day, they can find comfort in knowing Tele-Care 811 will be there to help with any sexual health questions.”

Services provided through Tele-Care 811 include:

  • information about sexual health clinical services and the various community services available in terms of sexual health;
  • information about pregnancy options;
  • sexual health information (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, contraception, sexual identity and sexuality, vaccination programs offered to at-risk populations, etc.).

Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network believe that this new initiative will be of great benefit to the population of New Brunswick and will improve the provision of care to patients.