New ‘command centre’ improving patient flow at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital

Dedicated space builds on similar centres in Fredericton, Moncton

(MIRAMICHI) – A specialized ‘command centre’ at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital (MRH) is bringing care teams together in one centralized location to improve patient flow across inpatient units and the Emergency Department.

The dedicated space enables patient flow coordinators, discharge planners, care coordinators, social workers, an Indigenous Patient Navigator, nursing supervisors, and liaisons from the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program to monitor bed capacity and coordinate discharge planning in real time.

“The patient flow command centre marks an important step forward in enhancing how patients move through our hospital and how care is delivered,” said Kathy Ahern, Clinical Director, Operations & Patient Flow at MRH. “By working together, we can help ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Before the command centre, teams involved in patient flow and discharge planning were in different areas of the hospital, with decisions often made through emails, phone calls, and meetings.

Bringing these teams together in one space supports faster communication, real-time problem-solving, and more coordinated care. Daily interdisciplinary huddles allow staff to identify and address potential barriers early, helping to keep patients moving safely and efficiently through their care journey.

The command centre is the third of its kind at Horizon, building on successful models at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton and The Moncton Hospital. Insights from those sites helped inform the design and function of the new space in Miramichi.

“Ensuring patients move through our hospitals in a timely and coordinated way is essential to their experience and the care they receive, and it directly impacts access to surgeries and wait times in our emergency departments,” said Greg Doiron, Horizon’s Vice President of Clinical Operations. “By improving how we manage beds and drawing on the expertise of our teams, we can make more informed decisions and maximize the use of every inpatient bed.”

Although the command centre has only been in operation since February, staff are already reporting improved workflow, quicker decision-making, and fewer communication gaps, contributing to a smoother, more coordinated experience for patients.

This work supports Horizon’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan commitment to excellence in hospital care by improving access to care and helping ensure patients receive the right care at the right time through more efficient use of resources.

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