The Haut-Madawaska has enjoyed the services of physicians in private practice for many years. In the late 70s, a first medical clinic opened its doors through collaboration by all the municipalities in the Haut-Madawaska; it was located inside the Clair municipal building. This initiative helped recruit two young physicians, and collaboration was developed with the Edmundston Regional Hospital for ambulatory care delivery and nursing staff deployment. In 2006, in collaboration with Regional Health Authority 4, a nurse was added to the staff.
After Vitalité Health Network was created in 2012, a nurse practitioner was assigned to the team, who worked with one of the physicians and a part-time administrative assistant.
In 2016, a 6,500 square-foot extension was added to the facility to attract young physicians and acquire infrastructure to deliver other health services to the population of the Haut-Madawaska. The cost of construction was $2 million, with the municipality of Clair investing $800,000, the province $500,000 and the community $700,000, with the latter amount raised by the community. At that time, the office had four physicians in private practice, two of whom are now retired.
In 2019, an advisory committee was created to work with Vitalité Health Network in determining the priority primary health care services for the Haut Madawaska and support the recruitment of health professionals. The Advisory Committee members represent all neighbourhoods of the municipality as well as the Village of lac Baker.
The Haut Madawaska Medical Clinic of Vitalité Health Network is a tenant of the Centre de services communautaires du Haut-Madawaska. In 2022, the clinic’s staff included two nurse practitioners, one nurse coordinator, one part-time licensed practical nurse and two part-time support staff. A nurse specialized in diabetes is also on duty a few days a month and Addiction Services staff see patients there occasionally.
