Horizon reminds New Brunswickers of care options this holiday season

(HORIZON) – As the holiday season approaches, Horizon Health Network (Horizon) wants to ensure New Brunswickers know where to turn when health concerns arise.

With respiratory illnesses circulating in our communities and many health care providers on reduced hours during the holidays, emergency departments (EDs) typically experience increased patient volumes and longer wait times.

By knowing your care options ahead of time, you can make the best choice for you and your loved ones and help ensure emergency services remain available for those who need them most.

“Our health care needs don’t take a break during the holidays, and neither does our commitment to caring for New Brunswickers,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon President and CEO. “We have plans in place to ensure the safe delivery of care throughout the season, however, the public plays a vital role in helping the system work effectively by understanding their options and choosing the most appropriate care for their needs.”

Before heading to an emergency department, please consider these alternatives for non-urgent medical concerns:

• Check your symptoms online to determine their severity and whether an ED visit is necessary.
• Contact your primary care provider first – ask about their holiday hours and make them your first point of contact for medical concerns.
• Consider a virtual appointment with eVisitNB, available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit a walk-in clinic in your area for consultations on common illnesses, injuries, infections, or general health concerns.
• Remember to check with your primary care provider and refill any prescriptions that may be running low heading into the holidays. An ED is not the appropriate place to have prescriptions refilled and wait times are typically very long.
• Your local pharmacist is able to assess symptoms and can prescribe medication for a variety of common ailments for eligible New Brunswickers, with no service fee.
• Call Tele-Care 8-1-1 for reliable medical advice and help navigating your care options
• Access mental health and addiction support – resources are available in-person, online, and over the phone throughout the holidays.

You can also visit sowhywait.ca for comprehensive information on different care options available to you.

As always, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 immediately for transport to the nearest emergency department.

Hospital capacity challenges

A significant portion of our acute care beds, close to 40%, continue to be occupied by medically discharged patients awaiting placement in an alternate care setting, such as a nursing home, which has a profound impact on hospital patient flow and can contribute to longer wait times in emergency departments.

As a result, many of our hospitals are currently operating above capacity, with many patients being cared for in non-clinical spaces such as hallways, storage rooms, and dining areas.

While Horizon continues to work with our partners to address these systemic capacity challenges, being informed about your care options helps ensure emergency resources are available for those experiencing urgent, life-threatening situations.

A request for kindness

As we head into the holiday season, Horizon wishes to extend its deep gratitude to all of our physicians and staff who will be working to care for patients.

These dedicated professionals are giving up time with their own families to serve our communities and ensure patients continue to have access to safe, quality care.

“We ask that all New Brunswickers treat our health care teams with the patience, kindness, and respect they deserve,” Melanson said. “A simple act of courtesy can make a meaningful difference to someone working long hours to care for others during the holidays.”