Horizon Health has developed an extensive surge plan for the upcoming holiday season and is urging the public to explore alternative options to prevent overcrowding in emergency rooms. CEO Margaret Melanson emphasized the readiness of their teams to assist New Brunswickers during the holidays but stressed the importance of choosing appropriate care options and treating healthcare workers with respect and kindness.
With an anticipated increase in emergency room visitors during the holidays due to reduced primary healthcare provider hours and the spread of respiratory illnesses, Melanson highlighted the strain on Horizon’s regional hospitals, which are currently operating beyond capacity. To alleviate this pressure, she recommended individuals with minor or non-urgent health issues to consider utilizing eVisitNB, walk-in clinics, or pharmacies. Additionally, Melanson advised the public to refill prescriptions ahead of the holiday rush.
The health authority has already activated its surge plan, bolstering staff and implementing strategies to maintain a steady flow of patients within the hospital system. Melanson expressed confidence in their preparations for the upcoming weeks, drawing lessons from past experiences and emphasizing effective communication and collaboration among staff.
A recent report by Auditor General Paul Martin revealed that a significant portion of emergency room visitors in the province faced delays in receiving timely care, with the Health Department lacking a specific plan to address prolonged wait times. Efforts to enhance access to primary care, including the establishment of government-supported collaborative care clinics, are beginning to show progress. However, the issue of medically discharged patients awaiting placement in nursing homes and other care facilities remains a major challenge for hospitals.
Melanson highlighted that approximately 40% of acute care beds are occupied by alternative level of care patients, leading to all regional hospitals operating at over 100% capacity. The presence of around 160 “unfunded beds” across the health authority, used for patients accommodated in hallways or makeshift spaces, further complicates patient flow and contributes to extended wait times in emergency departments.
Addressing these systemic challenges requires collective efforts and solutions beyond Horizon’s direct control. In the coming year, Horizon plans to launch a new urgent care center in Moncton, similar to the one in Fredericton, with the aim of diverting individuals with less severe healthcare needs away from emergency rooms.