Horizon Health has developed a comprehensive surge plan for the upcoming holiday season and urges the public to explore alternative care options to prevent overcrowding in emergency rooms. CEO Margaret Melanson emphasized the readiness of their teams to assist New Brunswickers during the holidays while highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate care option and showing respect and kindness to healthcare workers.
With the holidays often leading to increased visits to emergency rooms due to reduced primary healthcare hours and the spread of respiratory illnesses, Melanson stressed the need for individuals with minor or non-urgent conditions to consider utilizing eVisitNB, walk-in clinics, or pharmacies. She also recommended getting prescriptions refilled ahead of the holiday rush.
The health authority has already put its surge plan into action, which involves additional staff resources and strategies to ensure efficient patient flow within the hospital system. Melanson expressed confidence in their preparedness for the upcoming weeks, drawing from past experiences to enhance planning and execution.
While acknowledging the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, Melanson praised the effective communication and collaboration among staff members to deliver optimal service to the public. The recent report by Auditor General Paul Martin revealed challenges in emergency room wait times, with efforts to enhance access to primary care services showing some progress. However, the issue of medically discharged patients awaiting placement in care facilities remains a significant hurdle for hospitals.
Melanson highlighted that alternative level of care patients currently occupy 40% of acute care beds, exceeding the regional hospitals’ full capacity. She mentioned the presence of around 160 “unfunded beds” used for patients in makeshift spaces, impacting overall patient flow and contributing to prolonged wait times in emergency departments.
In response to these challenges, Horizon Health plans to establish a new urgent care center in Moncton next year, similar to the existing one in Fredericton, aiming to divert individuals with less critical needs away from emergency rooms. Collaboration with partners is ongoing to address systemic issues, requiring comprehensive solutions beyond the direct control of Horizon.
