Dr. Gordon Ferguson
Extra-Mural was brought to the attention of the NB department of health by Dr. Gordon Ferguson at the planning session Feb. 1980, he had been reading about this program which was in place in Auckland N.Z. In June 1980, Dr. Ferguson & Dick Kirkley went to N.Z., took a first hand look, felt it was a go.  In recognition of his efforts Dr. George Gordon Ferguson, C.M., Fredericton, N.B. was made a Member of the Order of Canada.   A physician, surgeon and advocate, he is recognized for his groundbreaking work in home-care.  He spearheaded the efforts that led to the creation of the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Hospital, a program to treat elderly and chronically ill people in their homes.  This initiative revolutionized the delivery of long-term care.  He headed this organization for more than 15 years and was a leader in the development and implementation of a team-based approach to patient services in his province.

Factors which led to the establishment of the Extra-Mural Hospital:

• Population growth, especially in the elderly
• The high cost of hospital/institution construction
• The high cost of maintaining clients in high-tech institutions
• The changing pattern of disease towards more long term degenerative conditions

1981 - The Government of New Brunswick established the Extra-Mural Hospital. At this time it was the first government insured home care program to be incorporated into the Canada Health Act.

1996 - Administrative structure change to The Extra Mural Hospital. 
The New Brunswick government moved services under the Hospital Corporation. 

1997 – Rehab Services joined Extra-Mural Program.