Moncton area residents urged to consider care options this weekend

(MONCTON)  – Due to a projected shortage of staff in the Emergency Department (ED) at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital (TMH), we are asking the public to consider their health care options before presenting to the ED this weekend.

These ongoing staffing shortages are difficult for everyone. If you require care, please consider which option is right for you.

Emergency Departments are always available for emergencies, and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please visit your nearest Emergency Department or call 911.

We encourage you to visit SoWhyWait.ca to help choose the best option for care: pharmacist, primary health care provider, after-hours clinic, eVisitNB, Tele-Care 811, or the Emergency Department.

Consider one of the following options:

• If you have a minor ailment such as a urinary tract infection or need a prescription refill, visit your local pharmacist. Learn more about the ways a pharmacist can help here: https://nbpharma.ca/your-pharmacist-can/6 .
• There are several walk-in clinics in the Moncton area, which can treat minor or non-urgent illnesses such as a sore throat, earache, or rash. More information about where to find clinics is available here: https://www.nbms.nb.ca/walk-in-clinics/

• Cold or flu symptoms, sinus infections and other common medical conditions can be treated, through eVisitNB. Visit https://www.evisitnb.ca/ for more information. This on-demand service is available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, or by scheduled appointments. Virtual care through eVisitNB is covered by New Brunswick Medicare.
• If you need health care advice or are unsure about your medical issue, you can contact Tele-Care 811, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with a Registered Nurse.

Horizon will continue to treat emergency, critical and urgent cases as quickly as possible.

Please be kind to your health care workers, who are working to provide care under challenging circumstances.

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