NL Health Services today released its 2026-29 Strategic Plan, outlining long-term priorities to strengthen the health system, support a sustainable workforce, advance health equity, and improve the health and well-being of people and communities throughout the province.

Following the integration of five legacy health organizations into a single provincial health authority, NL Health Services is building on foundational work previously completed as it develops its first comprehensive three-year strategic plan. The plan provides a roadmap for the future, with strategic priorities focused on:

1. Timely access to quality care: improve the quality of care by strengthening primary care, improving timely access to services, and supporting care closer to home.
2. System sustainability, performance and integration: strengthen system performance and financial sustainability by improving access to health data and supporting greater clinical efficiency.
3. Health equity: make progress towards health equity by engaging diverse groups, using inclusive approaches in programs and services, and implementing better processes for tracking and reporting gaps in health and health service equity.
4. Workforce stability: improve workforce stability through recruitment and fostering a more engaged, supported and inclusive workforce.
5. Indigenous health and wellness: work with Indigenous partners to improve Indigenous health and wellness through shared accountability, leadership, decision-making, and working together to design services, programs and policies that are safe, respectful, and led by Indigenous people.

“The health system in Newfoundland and Labrador has evolved considerably in recent years, driven by a commitment to improving access, quality and health outcomes for the people of the province,” said Ross Wiseman, chair (interim) of the Board of Trustees, NL Health Services. “This plan sets a clear direction for strengthening an integrated, people-centred health system for the future. Thank you to the staff, physicians, volunteers and partners who consistently demonstrate remarkable dedication, adaptability, and commitment to supporting healthier individuals, families and communities.”

Partnerships are fundamental to NL Health Services’ ability to deliver high-quality, equitable care and to improve health outcomes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. NL Health Services works closely with staff, physicians, volunteers, unions, educational institutions, innovation partners, communities, and other organizations to deliver services, strengthen the health system, and support continuous improvement.

“Our vision, health and well-being – every person – every community, is supported by the core values of innovation, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence (I CARE),” said Ron Johnson, chief executive officer (interim). “These values define how we work, how we support one another, and how we serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Guided by our vision, we are working to make care easier to access, better connected, and more responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.”

The objectives of the strategic priorities outlined in the 2026-2029 strategic plan will be assessed by indicators to measure progress, which will be reported publicly in NL Health Services’ annual performance reports. For more information, please view the strategic plan on the NL Health Services website.

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