An ongoing nursing shortage has forced the Saint John Regional Hospital to combine two of its units, according to a statement from the Horizon Health Network.
Officials say the palliative care and physical rehabilitation units were merged temporarily.
Greg Doiron, vice president of clinical operations, said in a statement that the move ensures staff can “continue offering safe and quality care” to patients while nursing staff take vacations.
He adds there is a lot of demand and a short supply.
“This kind of action – combining units – takes place from time to time to ensure our hardworking staff are able to take their well-deserved vacations to recharge,” he said.
No units have closed as a result, but patients have moved to another location, noting there is no reduction to beds or services provided in palliative care.