New partnership to significantly increase access to cataract surgeries in Fredericton region

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 partnership between Horizon and a Fredericton-based ophthalmology clinic will mean thousands more cataract surgeries will be offered each year.

The agreement between Horizon and the Fredericton Cataract Surgical Centre will significantly increase access to cataract surgeries in the Fredericton region and improve the overall patient experience.

An event to announce the new partnership took place today at the Fredericton Cataract Surgical Centre, located at 924 Prospect St. Health Minister Bruce Fitch, along with Horizon’s Interim President and CEO Margaret Melanson and Amy McCavour, Executive Regional Director, Co-Leader of Surgical and Intensive Care, were there to celebrate the partnership and spoke on the importance of the initiative.

The surgical centre has the capacity to complete over 3,200 surgeries annually and completed over 100 in just two weeks in September 2023. By moving cataract surgeries to a dedicated, modern facility outside the hospital setting, surgery wait times, and the patient wait list will decrease, allowing Horizon to meet the national benchmark wait time for cataract surgeries of 112 days.

“When we find innovative solutions that are benefitting patients, we’re working to build and expand on them with our partners in the health system,” said Minister Fitch. “We’ve seen significant progress in Bathurst for more than a year and promising improvements in Miramichi when it comes to reducing the wait times, and we know the team here in Fredericton is confident they can provide quality public health care through this model.”

A similar partnership with the Miramichi Cataract Surgery Center was announced in April 2023. The two clinics have completed over 1,200 cataract surgeries since March 2023. Planning to further expand this initiative in other areas of the province is already underway.

“Partnerships like this are integral in achieving Horizon’s goal to increase access to surgical services and improve the overall patient experience,” said Margaret Melanson. “By partnering with the Fredericton Cataract Surgical Centre and the Miramichi Cataract Surgery Center, we will have the capacity to offer over 5,700 more cataract surgeries each year, which will reduce wait times for patients.”

Dr. Ken Roberts, ophthalmologist and clinic owner, has already seen how the initiative is making a significant impact.

“Between our modern, state-of-the-art clinic and our highly trained staff, I’m confident we will be able to help meet the goals set out by the province and provide exceptional care to our patients,” he said.

Cataract surgeries performed at the centre will be covered by Medicare, just as they would be if the procedures were performed in hospital.

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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