NL Health Services releases three-year plan focused on strengthening health system

NL Health Services has released its 2026-29 Strategic Plan, outlining five priorities aimed at improving health care and supporting the province's health system over the next three years.

The plan focuses on improving access to care, strengthening the health workforce, advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for people and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

It is the first comprehensive three-year strategic plan since five legacy health organizations were integrated into a single provincial health authority.

The plan identifies five key priorities:

1. Timely access to quality care: Strengthening primary care, improving access to services and supporting care closer to home.

2. System sustainability, performance and integration: Improving access to health data, clinical efficiency and financial sustainability.

3. Health equity: Working with diverse groups and improving how gaps in health and health-service equity are identified and reported.

4. Workforce stability: Focusing on recruitment and building a more engaged, supported and inclusive workforce.

5. Indigenous health and wellness: Working with Indigenous partners to improve health and wellness through shared decision-making and the development of culturally safe and respectful services.

“This plan sets a clear direction for strengthening an integrated, people-centred health system for the future,” said Ross Wiseman, interim chair of the NL Health Services Board of Trustees.

Wiseman said staff, physicians, volunteers and partners have shown continued dedication and adaptability as the health system has evolved.

NL Health Services says partnerships with health-care workers, unions, educational institutions, communities and other organizations will be important in carrying out the plan.

“Our vision, health and well-being — every person, every community, is supported by the core values of innovation, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence,” said Ron Johnson, interim chief executive officer.

Johnson said the organization is working to make health care easier to access, better connected and more responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.