Horizon is asking the public to consider their health care options before presenting to an Emergency Department

On November 19 and 20, there will be reduced capacity in Horizon Emergency Departments and residents are urged to consider other care options for non-urgent medical needs

HORIZON – Due to critical staff shortages in Emergency Departments (EDs) across Horizon Health Network (Horizon), we are asking the public to consider their health care options before presenting to an Emergency Department.

Emergency Departments are always available for emergencies, and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please visit your nearest Emergency Department or call 911.

Patients with the most critical health care needs will continue to be prioritized.

For non-urgent medical needs, residents are urged to consider other care options. Utilizing other options helps ensures New Brunswickers can access the care they need, as well as ensure our emergency department teams can continue to provide safe, quality and timely emergency care.  

Here are examples of medical emergencies when you should call 911 or visit an emergency department:

• Discomfort or tightness in the chest
• Signs of stroke
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain
• Prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness
• An injury that may require stitches or involve a broken bone
• You have a child with prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
• You have a baby under six months of age with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher

If you are unsure if your medical condition is urgent, please call Tele-Care 811 to discuss the type of medical attention needed.

For non-urgent medical needs, continue to use other options of care, such as calling Tele-Care 811, visiting an after-hours clinic, consulting with a pharmacist or booking a virtual appointment through eVisitNB.ca (available 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week and covered by New Brunswick Medicare). Visit SoWhyWait.ca for additional information to choose the best option for care.

Here are examples of non-urgent medical needs that are best treated by other options of care:

• Sore throat, toothaches or earaches
• Possible bladder infections
• Rash (such as scabies, etc.)
• Testing for sexually transmitted infection
• Lower back pain from lifting or twisting
• Flu symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, chills and fever
• Prescription refills

We remain committed to helping everyone who needs medical care in our province. Actively recruiting and retaining physicians and nurses to the communities we serve is one of our top priorities, in addition to improving patient experience, addressing patient flow and increasing access to services. For further details about Horizon’s health care improvement plan and our four priority areas, visit HorizonNB.ca.  

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