The New Brunswick Department of Social Development has granted Horizon Health Network "critical state admission prioritization status," allowing patients without medical needs at four regional hospitals to be prioritized for long-term care beds for 30 days. This decision affects Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, Saint John Regional Hospital, Upper River Valley Hospital, and Miramichi Regional Hospital. Horizon Health Network reports that over 650 patients are occupying acute care beds without medical necessity, and if more long-term care beds were available, more than half could be discharged immediately. Currently, 40% of acute care beds in Horizon facilities are occupied by patients who do not require hospital care.
Related: NB prioritizes nursing home placements to alleviate Bathurst hospital - CTV News
N.B. health system granted 30 days for nursing home placement prioritization
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July 17, 2025