Horizon receives approval for ‘university hospital’ designations, strengthening regional collaboration in research and innovation to advance health care

(HORIZON) – Horizon Health Network is pleased to announce the formation of an integrated network of university hospitals, which will work hand-in hand with academic institutions to drive forward exciting advancements in health care through research, education, and innovation.

These formal designations, which have been approved and granted by the provincial Minister of Health, will enable Horizon to forge stronger partnerships with academic institutions, fostering a collaborative environment where academic and clinical expertise can be combined to drive research and innovation that will ultimately result in improvements to patient care and experiences.

Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH), which was designated a University Hospital Centre, will function as the administrative centre, with The Moncton Hospital (TMH), Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) and Miramichi Regional Hospital (MRH) functioning as a collective of designated ‘university affiliated hospitals’ in collaboration with the organization’s academic partners.

Through this framework, Horizon will be better equipped to collaboratively address complex health care issues by leveraging the full potential of these valued partnerships and harnessing the latest technologies, innovations and research to provide exceptional patient care.

“With these approvals in place, Horizon is well positioned to bring together care, research and education in order to benefit those we serve, and this honour recognizes the brilliant minds , innovative teams and compassionate, knowledgeable personnel  who provide and advance the art and science of medicine,” said Dr. Susan Brien, Horizon’s VP Academic, Medical and Research Affairs “This is an amazing opportunity that will open exciting new doors for partnerships with academic institutions, helping us to push the boundaries of medical science and ultimately improve patient outcomes. ”

There are several direct and indirect benefits of holding the status of a university affiliated facility, including improvements to patient care, strengthening a culture of research and innovation, and enhancing the recruitment and retention of physicians, nurses, and other health care workers.

Horizon already maintains formal affiliations with a number of post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada – including close partnerships with the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University and NBCC – to provide training and education in our hospitals to residents, medical students, nursing students, and students enrolled in allied professional programs.

These formal affiliations will not only enhance existing partnerships but will foster an environment where collaborative, dynamic health care research, innovations and learning can take place on a broader level.

“These designations will help enhance Horizon’s existing and future partnerships while reinforcing our role as a leader in health care research and innovation,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s President and CEO. “We are eager to expand our collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners, ensuring that Horizon remains at the forefront of medical innovation and ultimately applying research and innovation into practice that will have a direct benefit our patients and communities.”

The university affiliated designations will provide partners with the opportunity to work as part of a wider network of experts working together to help address ongoing health care challenges in a more coordinated, impactful manner than they would be able to on their own.

Hospitals that carry this status are often viewed as employers of choice for physicians and other medical professionals determining where they want to practice and work, as university affiliated facilities are known for providing access to some of the latest innovations in health care while promoting a culture of learning and excellence in patient care.

They also encourage the development of programs to support clinicians interested in engaging in research, quality improvement, teaching, and other areas of professional interest, further aiding in the creation of positive work environments.

“I am pleased to approve Horizon Health Network’s request for this official designation, which will unlock numerous opportunities for collaboration and growth,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch. “This framework not only strengthens Horizon’s ties with academic institutions but also paves the way for advancements in research, education, and patient care that will benefit New Brunswickers for years to come. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on our healthcare system, as we work together to address complex health challenges with innovative solutions.”

Through its existing affiliations with post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada in support of training and research, Horizon has, in essence, already been operating as a network of university affiliated hospitals but has been unable to take advantage of the benefits offered through an official designation and the formal partnerships it entails.

With over 200 clinicians conducting more than 400 active research studies across 16 different therapeutic areas, Horizon oversees a well-established, robust culture of research. This includes over 120 clinical trials investigating new drugs in areas such as oncology, rehabilitation medicine, cardiology and dermatology, as well as 283 investigator-initiated research studies, which focus on comparing the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions, patient treatment outcomes, and the application of therapies in real-world settings.

Horizon’s research efforts are supported by 58 different sponsors, including leading pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Amgen, GSK, Merck, and AstraZeneca, as well as numerous foundations and granting institutions, such as ResearchNB and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Additional Quotes

• “Today marks a significant step forward in HHN’s and UNB’s shared commitment to research and innovation. UNB is proud to strengthen this relationship as we work together to advance the health and well-being of our province.” Paul Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New Brunswick

• “Partnerships and collaboration are at the heart of all that we do.  We are extremely pleased to continue to build on our strong partnership with Horizon to provide excellent medical education experiences across New Brunswick. The University Hospital designation for Horizon Health is a strong step forward in advancing health care outcomes for New Brunswickers through medical education, research, and innovation. It’s a significant accomplishment that will have lasting impacts for our learners, health care professionals, patients, and our communities.” Dr. Julie Copeland, Senior Associate Dean, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick
  
• “We congratulate our health care partners on achieving these important designations. This milestone strengthens the vital link between academic and clinical expertise, ensuring that our students in various health care disciplines are trained in environments that drive improvements in patient care and community health across New Brunswick.” Mary Butler, President and CEO, NBCC.
  
• “This framework will allow us to blend the best of clinical care and academics, directly translating the latest science into improved patient outcomes. These new affiliations signal to the rest of the country and beyond that we’re not just delivering health care – we’re leading the way in medical education, research, and innovation. It’s a win for our patients, our communities, and our healthcare workforce.” Dr. Paul Atkinson – Professor, Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University/Horizon Health Network

• “On behalf of the team at NB-IRDT, I congratulate Horizon Health on its new designation. Horizon and NB-IRDT have a ten-year history of close collaboration, and this designation will allow our two organizations to expand our collaboration in important and exciting ways. We are both committed to supporting initiatives that lead to better health outcomes for New Brunswickers, and I look forward to the work we will do together to achieve that goal.” Ted McDonald – Director, NB Institute for Research, Data and Training

– 30 –