Horizon highlights progress in improving access and innovation across New Brunswick

Building momentum in year two of Horizon’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan

(SAINT JOHN) – Horizon Health Network (Horizon) has entered the next phase of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Transforming Health Care Through Innovation, building on strong early progress in its first year.

Horizon’s Board of Directors held its annual general meeting and regular quarterly public meeting today, highlighting progress on the organization’s key strategic priorities.

“Our focus remains on building a more integrated, connected, and sustainable health system — one that delivers meaningful improvements for patients, families, and communities across New Brunswick,” said Susan Harley, Horizon’s Board Chair. “While challenges remain, we are encouraged by the progress being made and by our teams’ continued commitment to putting patients first. Through collaboration and innovation, we are strengthening our system and building a healthier future for New Brunswickers.”

“Across our hospitals and emergency departments, our teams continue to manage significant demand and pressure — reflected in long wait times, crowded units, and delayed admissions,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s President and CEO. “Despite these challenges, our teams are working tirelessly to ensure patients move safely and compassionately through their care journey, while also supporting the people who make that care possible.”

Key highlights include:

• Expanding access to primary care remains a top priority. Horizon plans to establish 10 Family Health Teams this fiscal year, with one already announced in Perth-Andover. Horizon is making it easier for New Brunswickers to stay informed about their community’s Family Health Team’s status through a new online Progress Tracker.
• Improving patient flow as our hospitals continue to face ongoing capacity pressures driven by high occupancy of medically discharged patients waiting for long-term care. In May, these patients occupied an average of 40 per cent of acute care beds, with peaks of 41 per cent. Recent initiatives include:
  • Emergency department diversion teams, which have helped more than 460 medically stable patients return home since November 2025
  • Assuming responsibility for completing long-term care assessments for medically discharged patients at five hospitals
  • A patient flow command centre in Miramichi to enhance coordination across inpatient units and the Emergency Department
  • A new Discharge Lounge at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital to help improve transitions from hospital to home
  • Expanding access to community-based services while addressing hospital capacity pressures in Fredericton
• Leveraging innovation to make care more accessible, efficient, and patient-friendly, with several projects already making a difference:
  • A first-in-New Brunswick pilot launched at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital to eliminate paper usage in its Medical Imaging department has since expanded to four other sites, with planning underway for additional sites and programs.
  • Voice AI is helping patients book appointments anytime by phone, and AI Scribe is allowing providers to spend more time with patients by reducing time spent on documentation.
• Recruiting and retaining staff and physicians to meet the needs of our communities:
  • A total of 176 registered nurses, including four nurse practitioners, were hired in the first two months of the fiscal year, representing a net gain of 90. During the same period, 81 physicians were hired, for a net gain of 70.
  • The voluntary turnover rate is 5.6 per cent — below our target of 7.2 per cent and significantly better than the national benchmark of 11.9 per cent.

Latest Report to Our Communities released

These initiatives and more are highlighted in Horizon’s quarterly Report to Our Communities, showcasing progress in transforming health care across the organization. This edition introduces a regionalized approach to share examples of how we’re improving the delivery of care and services, alongside key advancements in Horizon’s strategic priorities.

Annual report

Horizon is also pleased to release its 2025-26 Annual Report today. The progress highlighted in this year’s Annual Report reflects the commitment and collaboration of Horizon staff and physicians, our valued partners in health care, and New Brunswickers who place their trust in us. Together, we are rising to the challenge of transforming how care is delivered. We invite you to review Horizon’s Annual Report here.

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