Dr. John Dornan, Chief of Staff, Horizon Health Network shares his perspective on why some patients have to wait for four hours in the ED to see someone. Dr. Dornan explains that the aging population has created an increased demand on acute care beds. Approximately one in four of our beds across Horizon are occupied by patients requiring alternate levels of care (ALC), meaning they no longer require in-hospital care but aren’t well enough to go back home without certain support services. Dr. Dornan adds the province doesn’t have enough nursing homes for these patients. These patients remain in hospitals, and the number of ALC patients in facilities continues to grow and have an impact on capacity. With overcapacity, patients can experience long wait times in EDs. Dr. Dornan says it’s important to consider alternatives to the ED and encourages patients to contact their family physician, nurse practitioner or walk-in clinic for non-urgent medical needs.
Related:
La congestion dans nos hôpitaux - Réseau de Santé Horizon
NBHC Sustainability