Horizon reminds public to attend appointments as usual, unless contacted by health care provider October 12, 2021 Horizon is reminding the public to attend appointments as usual, unless you have been contacted by your health care provider. As announced last week, Horizon will return to its Red alert level protocols on Wednesday, Oct. 13 for at least two weeks. During this phase, some non-urgent elective surgeries, medical procedures and outpatient appointments may need to be postponed. All affected patients and clients will be contacted by Horizon or their health care provider directly if we need to cancel their non-urgent surgery, procedure or appointment.If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. Outpatient appointments include: appointments at Ambulatory Outpatient Clinics and professional services outpatient appointments, such as therapeutic services, blood and specimen collection, diagnostic imaging (X-ray), electrodiagnostics and respiratory therapy. The fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increasing number of cases and hospitalizations, including intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Postponing appointments will help Horizon effectively reallocate human resources and prioritize urgent and emergency services as part of our response to this fourth wave. Other Red alert level reminders: There are NO VISITORS ALLOWED in our hospitals. Some exceptions to these visitor restrictions are in place for patients who are eligible for a designated support person. More information on visitor restrictions is available on our website.All patients, clients and support persons will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and asked a series of questions upon entry to our facilities. Everyone must: monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before each visit, wash their hands, wear a mask and maintain physical distancing, where required.Patients are urged to seek alternate options for non-urgent health care needs, rather than presenting to an Emergency Department/Urgent Care Centre. Horizon is committed to providing the best possible care to our patients, clients, and families and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this crisis together. – 30 – For more information contact: Kris McDavid Media Relations Horizon Health Network 1-877-499-1899 Media@HorizonNB.ca www.HorizonNB.ca