January 17, 2024
Horizon Health made the request to government to temporarily fast-track LTC admission from its two hospitals in Saint John to improve capacity and wait times. However, nursing home workers say the prioritized placements could put seniors in danger because the facilities don’t have the staff to take care of them. The New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions states there are 300 beds empty in the province due to lack of staff. It says this results in fewer bathroom trips, less bathing and less services overall, which is detrimental to the seniors’ health. The prioritization measures can only be enacted for a maximum of 30 days.
Related:
Horizon wants patients at three Fredericton-region hospitals fast-tracked for nursing homes - CBC News