Critical Emergency Department Staffing Shortages at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital this weekend March 18, 2022 SAINT JOHN – Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) Emergency Department (ED) is facing a critical shortage of nursing staff this weekend (March 18-20). This means the department will be operating at a reduced capacity, and Horizon is asking anyone with non-urgent symptoms to consider other options for care. There are many options for receiving non-emergency care in the Saint John area, notably the Urgent Care Centre at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital, which is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week and offers care to patients of all ages experiencing non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries requiring urgent, same-day medical attention and treatment. There are also a number of after-hours clinics in the region those experiencing non-urgent medical issues can visit. After-hours clinics can often treat non-urgent and minor illnesses and ailments, such as earaches, sore throats or prescription refills. Additionally, people with non-urgent medical needs can call Tele-Care 811, consult with a pharmacist or book a virtual appointment through E-Visit NB. Please remember: our ED teams are always there to treat patients in an emergency! If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department. Patients with non-urgent medical issues will experience long wait times as we prioritize the sickest and most vulnerable patients. – 30 – For more information contact: Kris McDavid Media Relations 1-877-499-1899 media@horizonnb.ca news.horizonnb.ca