Health care access options for everyone seeking urgent care

HORIZON / VITALITÉ – Horizon and Vitalité health networks are suggesting the following options available for New Brunswickers seeking urgent health care this weekend.

These options outline when to call 911 or visit an emergency department and when to seek care through other options in the community, such as pharmacies or after-hour clinics, or via virtual care.

Choosing these non-urgent care options are part of Horizon and Vitalité’s plan to ensure 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 is when you should call 911 or visit an emergency department:

• discomfort or tightness in the chest
• 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

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure about what kind of care you need, please call Tele-Care 811. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911.

Those with non-urgent medical needs are encouraged to visit SoWhyWait.ca to help choose the best option for care.

This can include consulting with your local pharmacist, scheduling an appointment with your primary health care provider, visiting your nearest after-hours clinic, booking an appointment through eVisitNB or consulting with a clinician by calling Tele-Care 811.

Here are some conditions that would best be treated in the community:

• 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

Horizon and Vitalité are committed to helping everyone who needs medical care in our province.

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