N.B. news: Margaret Melanson new Horizon Health CEO [Video]

She’s been in the role as interim since July 2022, but Margaret Melanson has been officially named the CEO and president of Horizon Health Network, after a nation-wide search by an independent firm.

Melanson held two vice-president positions prior to becoming interim CEO.

The network has been plagued by challenges in recent years – from understaffing to hospital bed shortages.

In an interview with CTV Atlantic, Melanson said she feels improvements have been made over the last 20 months, but recognizes there’s lots of work left to do.

And she’s prioritizing two areas she says are urgent.

“We really need primary care. Primary care access is foundational to the improvements within our health-care system,” she said. “And so I’m pleased that we did receive a reasonable primary care budget from government during the budget focus recently.”

She said Horizon intends to “utilize this as quickly as possible” to boost primary care in certain communities and launch a collaborative practice medical home model across the province.

The other area that needs …