Expanded Surgical Services to Launch at Select Community Hospitals

Augmented Surgical Programs in Upper River Valley, Oromocto, Sussex and Sackville to Expand Patient Access

FREDERICTON – As part of Horizon Health Network’s operational plan to expand patient access to surgical services, Horizon is investing approximately $6.4 million in augmented surgical programs at community hospitals in Upper River Valley, Oromocto, Sackville and Sussex.

“Expanding patient access to surgical services is a key part of our vision for improving health care for all New Brunswickers,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim President and CEO. “This investment in our facilities and people is a major step forward with far-reaching benefits across the province. We’re deeply appreciative to the physicians, nurses and staff of these facilities for making the augmented programs a reality in their communities. We look forward to working closely with these teams to improve timely care for their surgical patients.”

The following surgical programs will be expanded:

• Upper River Valley Hospital: This New Joint Arthroplasty Project will result in increased orthopedic surgeries for knee replacement. The program launch is anticipated for November-December 2022. Horizon is investing approximately $350,000 in equipment for this initiative and $1.5 million annually in additional human resources. This program enhancement is estimated to serve an additional 360 knee replacement patients in one year.

• Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and Oromocto Public Hospital: This New Joint Arthroplasty Project will result in increased orthopedic surgeries for hip replacement. The program launch is anticipated for late spring/early summer 2023. Horizon is investing approximately $555,000 in this initiative, which is estimated to serve an additional 730 hip replacement patients in one year.

• Sackville Memorial Hospital: This initiative will improve surgical access for the region through the renovation of the existing operating room (OR) and the inclusion of an additional OR suite. Renovations are expected to begin by late spring 2023. Horizon is investing approximately $2 million in this program, which will provide additional access for orthopedic surgeries as well as other appropriate procedures.

• Sussex Health Centre: This initiative will expand OR and clinic access through renovations to enable multi-purpose use. Options are being explored for cataract surgery, endoscopy, and other appropriate procedures. Horizon is investing approximately $2 million in this initiative. Renovations are expected to begin by late spring 2023.

Dr. Patricia Bryden, Horizon’s Executive Clinical/Academic Department Head and Co-Leader of Surgical Services said, “By expanding the surgical services in these community hospitals, we are maximizing the use of existing OR infrastructure while increasing overall surgical access. This also benefits regional hospitals by freeing up OR time for more complex and acute cases – a true win-win by sharing resources and maintaining collaborative relationships with our community partners.”

While surgical staffing is already in place at these community facilities, there will be supplementary clinical positions required. In addition, some related services such as diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, and medical device reprocessing, may require additional recruitment. Recruitment efforts are underway to coincide with the launch timing of the augmented programs. Improving access to health care, specifically emergency care and surgical services, is a key priority of Horizon’s plan to ensure all New Brunswickers receive the safe, high-quality and timely care they need. This plan consists of three other priorities, including the retention and recruitment of physicians, nurses and staff; improving overall patient experience; and improving patient flow at our health care facilities. Further details about Horizon’s four priority areas are available at HorizonNB.ca.

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