The Horizon Health Network is implementing strategies to improve wait times at its hospitals’ emergency departments.
Health officials said last week that wait times at emergency rooms in its four regional hospitals are stabilizing to pre-holiday levels.
“As seasonal health pressures brought on by a rise in the transmission of respiratory illness in New Brunswick continue, staff and physicians in our EDs remain extremely busy caring for a high volume of sick patients,” the network said in a statement.
“The situation and make-up at each of our emergency departments is different, and therefore the solutions needed for each facility are different.”
Horizon said staff, physicians and leadership are working at all sites to implement short- and long-term solutions.
Some of the current solutions, officials said, include social workers intervening with patients to reduce “social admissions.”
Horizon said 179 patients were given support by emergency department social workers last month, resulting in 76 fewer admissions.
“Horizon remains fully committed to doing whatever it takes to improve conditions in our EDs and improving patient flow and patient experience throughout our health care system,” said Margaret Melanson, interim President and CEO, in a statement.
“This is always a busy time of year for our EDs, and our dedicated health care teams are working tirelessly to provide safe and quality care.”
Officials said the occupancy rate for its regional hospitals continues to be high, with an average of 106 per cent — above the national benchmark of 85 per cent.
“Overcapacity is not only a New Brunswick issue; it is a system-wide challenge felt across Canada,” said Melanson.
“The problem will not be solved overnight, however, we are committed to improving the care we deliver to our patients and their loved ones.”
