New partnership in Saint John to create convalescent care beds for vulnerable patients transitioning from hospital to community

(SAINT JOHN) – Horizon Health Network (Horizon), Outflow Ministry Inc., the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and Canada East Spine Centre are pleased to announce the finalization of a partnership which will create convalescent care beds designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for patients experiencing homelessness transitioning from hospital care back into the community.

This innovative partnership represents a significant step forward in improving health care equity for vulnerable populations in Saint John and will play a crucial role in providing ongoing support and care for homeless patients by addressing the unique challenges many will experience during their recovery process.

By offering convalescent care beds tailored to meet the needs of these individuals, the initiative aims to ensure a smoother transition for patients leaving the hospital environment, while offering a supportive setting where patients can receive the care and assistance they need for their successful recovery and reintegration into the community.

“This initiative is a testament to the commitment of our respective organizations to enhancing community support and promoting health equity for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Saint John area,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s President and CEO. “Through this partnership, we are not only helping to fill a significant, longstanding need in our community, but we are also promoting a more holistic approach that will help establish a more inclusive and supportive environment which will ultimately deliver better care to members of Saint John’s vulnerable population.”

As part of the first phase of this project, Outflow Ministry Inc. will be developing six single-occupancy housing units in uptown Saint John, each of which will be equipped with separate entrances to ensure privacy and dignity for patients.

These units are designed to support short-term stays, ranging from four to six months. Upon completing their treatment, patients will either transition to planned permanent housing or be offered support at a local shelter if necessary.

“At Outflow Ministry, we seek every opportunity to reduce unemployment, hunger, homelessness, and medical costs in our city. By focusing on health equity, we aim to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Ben Appleby, Outflow’s Director of Shelter and Housing

“Our mission is not just to provide immediate relief but to foster long-term, sustainable change for the most vulnerable members of our community, and this initiative represents an innovative and impactful way that we can deliver on that mission.”

The initiative is a direct response to research conducted by a collaborative team led by Dr. Duncan Webster, the Canada East Spine Centre, Avenue B Harm Reduction Inc., Horizon’s social work team in Saint John, the University of New Brunswick, Housing NB and the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children.

The research, which illustrated the need for convalescent care beds in the community, was funded by the Dalhousie Chesley Family Research Award and Research NB.

This study revealed that from 2020 to 2023, a total of 50 homeless patients accounted for 885 emergency department visits, 205 acute admissions, and 64 readmissions, resulting in a total of 6,029 days of hospital stay.

By creating a coordinated care path, the project aims to decrease the average length of stay (ALOS) for homeless patients, better aligning it with the standard ALOS for patients who have consistent access to housing.

This will also help free up hospital resources and ensure more efficient patient flow and access to care, while reducing readmissions and improving patient outcomes.

“St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is thrilled to support this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance health care access and equity for all members of our community,” said Andrea Scott, Community Engagement Coordinator of St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, a key funding partner in this initiative. “By providing convalescent care beds for vulnerable patients transitioning from hospital to community, we are not only addressing an urgent need but also fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for those most in.”

The six newly constructed units in Saint John will offer a safe haven for patients experiencing homelessness, reducing the chances of returning to the streets or remaining in hospital longer than necessary.

The project will initially support 12 to 18 homeless patients annually, with plans to grow and expand with the addition of more units over time.

– 30 –

For more information contact:

Kris McDavid

Horizon Media Relations

1-877-499-1899

media@horizonnb.ca

horizonnb.ca/news

Ben Appleby

Director of Shelter and Housing

Outflow Ministry Inc.

ben@outflowsj.com

(506) 658-8050