New discharge lounge providing DECRH patients with a safe, comfortable discharge experience while improving overall patient flow

All New Brunswickers deserve accessible and quality health care and a positive patient experience, and this initiative is one example of how Horizon is committed to providing that every day

(FREDERICTON) – A new discharge lounge at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) is providing a better experience for patients being transferred from hospital, while helping improve the flow of patients coming into it.

With support from the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Auxiliary Inc., which generously provided $10,000 toward this initiative, this brand-new lounge provides patients being discharged a comfortable space where they can wait for their transfer back to the community and can continue to receive safe, quality care while awaiting transportation.

“I’m confident this initiative will help provide our patients with the best possible discharge experience, ensuring they leave the hospital feeling well-cared-for and supported as they transition back home,” said Greg Doiron, Horizon’s VP Clinical. “This initiative reflects Horizon’s core commitment to improving the overall experience for patients who receive care in our facilities, as well as optimizing patient flow and improving access to services.”

In the lounge, patients have the opportunity to review their discharge instructions with health care professionals, including medication details, while receiving regular check-ins and meals and refreshments as needed. This arrangement also enables the Environmental Services (EVS) team to expedite the cleaning of rooms, so that admitted patients from the emergency department can be moved to their designated unit, while reducing wait times for other patients needing a bed.

Hospitals across Canada and around the world that are utilizing discharge lounges have reported significant improvements to patient satisfaction and overall hospital operations and patient flow.

The discharge lounge is just one of the innovative tactics that Horizon’s team at the DECRH have put in place to help improve the transition of care and address bed capacity challenges.

“As the oldest continually operating hospital auxiliary in Canada, the addition of this space not only symbolizes our commitment to enhancing patient care here at the DECRH but also reflects the support and generosity of our community,” said Louise Corey, president of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Auxiliary Inc. “The auxiliary was very pleased to make this important donation, as we know this new lounge will provide comfort and support to patients and their families for many years to come.”

Horizon has a plan to improve health care in New Brunswick. Our plan is focused on retention and recruitment efforts and improving the overall patient experience by addressing patient flow and access to services. Further details about Horizon’s four priority areas are available at HorizonNB.ca. This initiative also supports the Government of New Brunswick’s provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action

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