Horizon expanding access to community-based services while addressing capacity pressures at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital 

Some outpatient services moving to community setting or different location in hospital, while Medical Transition Unit will move to inpatient floor, allowing renovations in ED overflow area 

(FREDERICTON) – Several services at Horizon Health Network’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) will move to locations in the community and other areas of the hospital in the coming months, improving access and overall patient experience.  

Horizon is continuously assessing and identifying services that can be provided in the community to free up space within our hospitals, creating additional capacity and helping address ongoing overcrowding pressures that have resulted in patients being cared for in overflow spaces.

“Our hospitals are under significant strain, with many acute care beds occupied by patients who are medically discharged but awaiting long-term care,” said Margaret Melanson, President and CEO. “While we continue working with our government and health system partners to address these systemic challenges, we are taking action to optimize the space we have and ensure patients receive care in appropriate environments. This approach will improve patient flow and create a safe, more supportive working environment for staff and physicians.” 

Over the next few months, work will be done to move or expand the following services from the DECRH into the community:  

• By March 31, 2026, some electrodiagnostic and respiratory therapy (ED and RT) outpatient services will be moved to a community location. Inpatient services will not be impacted. Ambulatory care clinics currently located on 4 West (inpatient unit), including the orthopedic/fracture clinic, general surgery/wound clinic, and the colposcopy clinic, will be moved to the previously occupied ED and RT space, creating 13 new acute care spaces for patients currently in hospital.  
   
• These changes will then allow the Medical Transition Unit (MTU) – currently located in the converted ambulance bay – to move to 4 West. The former MTU space will then be renovated and repurposed to provide additional clinical care space, including the addition of bathrooms, handwashing sinks, and other necessary infrastructure. The MTU was established in 2024 as an urgent response and temporary measure to chronic overcapacity pressures at the DECRH. It provides space for patients admitted through the Emergency Department while they await transfer to regular inpatient beds. 
   
• Further, phlebotomy services, will open an additional location at Brookside Mall, improving access for blood and specimen collection to area residents. Phlebotomy services will continue to be available at the DECRH and Oromocto Public Hospital. 
   

“This is only the beginning of our work to address overcapacity and occupancy challenges, at the DECRH,” said Melanson. “We are actively assessing additional actions we can take to unlock more capacity and deliver sustainable, long-term solutions.” 

More information will be shared with patients and the public closer to the moving dates.  

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