New Brunswick’s Liberal government is rolling out collaborative care clinics across the province, but in a community where such a clinic is already established, there is disappointment over further reductions in services. Horizon Health has announced that the Queens North Community Health Centre in Minto will no longer offer walk-in clinic hours on Saturdays, now operating only on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grand Lake Mayor Kevin Nicklin expressed concerns, stating that the closure of the 24-hour clinic and the retirement of Dr. Gordon Haynes have increased pressure on the healthcare system. The Mayor emphasized the impact on the aging community, noting the absence of a family physician for the past five years. Horizon Health attributed the closure to a temporary provider shortage and mentioned ongoing recruitment efforts to reinstate Saturday hours. Local residents are facing challenges accessing timely healthcare, with many relying on the Minto clinic for expedited services compared to the hospital in Fredericton. Progressive Conservative MLA Kris Austin criticized the reduction in clinic hours while the government announced new clinic openings, cautioning against potential permanent cuts. Residents like Matthew Richardson expressed concerns over the diminishing healthcare services and the impact on the community’s attractiveness to professionals, especially with the upcoming increase in population due to the new jail construction. Horizon clarified that pre-booked appointments for specific services on Saturdays remain unaffected by the walk-in hours reduction.