Horizon’s Report to Our Communities: Momentum and milestones in health care transformation 

New Family Health Teams, improved surgical access, advances in digital innovation highlight latest quarterly report 

(HORIZON) – Horizon Health Network’s latest Report to Our Communities highlights continued progress in transforming health care across the organization, including new digital, clinical, and operational initiatives expanding access to care. 

Reporting on progress on Horizon’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, Transforming Health Care Through Innovation, this update reinforces our commitment to transparency for patients, staff, and communities. 

Expanding community team-based care while tackling hospital system challenges 

Horizon is well on its way to meeting its goal to expand access to primary care for New Brunswickers. 

Between April and December, Horizon established seven Family Health Teams, with more teams currently under development. Over the same period, 9,643 patients were newly attached to team-based care. 

Horizon continues to face significant hospital capacity pressures, with up to 40% of acute care beds occupied by medically discharged patients, most awaiting long-term care. 

To address this, Horizon is working closely with government and community partners to move these patients into more appropriate care settings more quickly, which includes using interim nursing home placements while patients await their preferred location. 

“Care for our aging population remains one of our most significant challenges. Fragmented accountability and insufficient coordination across government departments is leaving too many older adults in hospital beyond their acute care needs,” said Susan Harley, Horizon’s Board Chair. “The consequences are visible and serious: emergency department overcrowding, limited surgical access, and care being delivered in non-clinical spaces – hallways and rooms not designed for patient care.” 

Despite these pressures, Horizon is continuing to make progress in improving timely access to surgery. As of November, 100% of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implementation (TAVI) surgeries at the New Brunswick Heart Centre were completed within the recommended time, surpassing the 76% target. 

AI and innovation advancing patient-centred care 

Horizon’s efforts to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to improve care and enhance patient experience are exceeding expectations. 

To date, Horizon has initiated six AI projects, surpassing the target of five for this fiscal year. These include an accelerated stroke diagnosis and treatment pilot, improved website navigation tools, and enhanced bone density analysis applied to routine scans. 

The organization has also launched a new institute for research, innovation, and better health, connecting clinicians, researchers, and partners to collaboratively address priority health challenges. 

Horizon’s online self-booking tool is making it easier to book appointments for high-demand diagnostic services while also reducing wait times. 

“Through all transformation, patients remain at the centre,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s President and CEO. “Putting patients at the centre means not only delivering safe, high-quality care, but also removing barriers and making it easier for them to access the services they need.” 

Building a strong workforce 

There have also been significant strides in recruitment and retention this year — from physicians and registered nurses to allied health professionals and support services. 

Horizon is making strong progress toward its hiring targets for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, having already reached 70% for registered nurses and 66% for physicians. 

In addition, 179 allied health professionals (103% of the target) and 596 support services staff have been recruited across the health authority. 

As Horizon nears the end of Year 1 of its Strategic Plan, the organization will continue driving meaningful change to improve access, experience, and outcomes for patients across New Brunswick. 

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