With the province’s strained healthcare system, there are again concerns over the number of seniors waiting to be cared for out of hospital. Horizon Health indicates that between Mar. and May 2020, 128 seniors were moved out of hospitals into nursing homes to prepare for an influx of COVID-19 patients. The health network has since returned to regular practices for movement of these patients. In 2021-2022, 25% of Horizon’s hospital beds (about 415 patients) were occupied by ALC patients. The Coalition for Seniors now wonders if the effort made in Mar. of 2020 could be duplicated to reduce the strain on the hospital system. For its part, the N.B. Medical Society suggests the government should:
- Streamline the patient assessment process;
- Better utilize special care homes that have open beds;
- Make beds outside of hospital more readily available; and
- Streamline the approval process to move a senior out of hospital.
Related:
N.B. man says wife now needs wheelchair after 9-month hospital stay - Global News
Fewer people visiting N.B. ERs, but staffing shortages so severe system can’t keep up: advocates - CTV News
Plans de contingence établis pour assurer une continuité des services de pédiatrie et d’obstétrique dans le Nord-Ouest - Réseau de santé Vitalité
Contingency plans in place to ensure continuity of pediatric and obstetric services in the Northwest - Vitalité Health Network
« Je suis perdue », le bris de services à l’hôpital d'Edmundston inquiète une future mère - Radio-Canada
Horizon is asking the public to consider their health care options - Horizon Health Network
Horizon demande aux membres du public d’envisager toutes les solutions qui s’offrent à eux en matière de soins de santé - Réseau de santé Horizon