CEO Statement: Return to Orange Phase in Moncton and Saint John areas

Last Updated: Nov. 23, 2020 | Posted: Nov. 20, 2020

“With Moncton area (Zone 1) and Saint John area (Zone 2) returning to the Orange Phase, I would like to take this opportunity to assure all our staff, physicians, patients and clients that Horizon is prepared for this transition and we are committed to continuing to provide safe, quality health care services in our facilities.

We have learned much over these last several months and have implemented a variety of measures in our facilities to reduce patient traffic and create a safe and healthy environment for our patients, clients, staff, physicians and communities.

We have adapted quickly and efficiently throughout the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that will continue moving forward.

In Moncton, we are working closely with our partners at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre to coordinate services between the two hospitals to maintain as many services as possible for Moncton area residents.

In the Saint John area, we’re increasing our testing capacity by opening a third tent at the Ropewalk COVID-19 Assessment Centre location, and have plans to open a second location in the near future.

We will continue to monitor our occupancy rate in all of our hospitals, including our intensive care units, emergency department visits, and be diligent about admissions and discharges.

We have continued to perform a high volume of surgeries, as well as providing an array of important clinical services with minimal disruption. This is no small feat, but it speaks to the dedication and perseverance of our physicians and staff, who have done exemplary work during these unprecedented times.

However, as we re-enter Orange Phase protocols, enhanced visitor restrictions will be in place for the health and safety of patients and staff, and to reduce the risk of potential transmission.

I would urge anybody planning to visit Horizon’s Moncton area and Saint John area hospitals and facilities to visit horizonnb.ca, where you can review these updated restrictions in-full before you go.

In addition, all Horizon staff will be subjected to enhanced screening measures before they can enter the hospital.

Despite these actions, I would be wrong to say this return to the Orange Phase is easy; it certainly isn’t.

As your health care provider, we are here for you, just as we’ve always been. That isn’t going to change, but we cannot do this alone; we absolutely need New Brunswickers to follow Public Health directives, especially in limiting close contacts.

In Orange Phase zones, this means staying within your single household bubble (a household bubble can be extended to caregivers or to an immediate family member requiring support); in the Yellow Phase zones, informal indoor gatherings of up to 20 people are permitted, and close contacts should be limited to a consistent list of family and friends.

If you do not follow these directives in limiting social contacts – along with washing your hands, physical distancing and wearing a mask – our health system will be risk of being overwhelmed.

These are challenging times, and like all of you, I look forward to the day when we can finally say this pandemic is behind us.

But that day isn’t today, and it’s critically important that we remain vigilant in our response, and that we all continue to do our part as we work to flatten the curve.”

Karen McGrath
President and CEO