New state-of-the-art technology provides patients with bedside communication and entertainment

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.

(HORIZON) – New state-of-the-art communication and entertainment technology is now available for alternate level of care (ALC) patients at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH). ALC patients are those individuals who no longer require acute hospital care but are awaiting placement in a community care setting. 

Thanks to a partnership with HealthHub Solutions, 30 new Patient Integrated Bedside Terminals (IBTs) were installed in unit 4E at the DECRH in June replacing outdated televisions and telephones.

“By acquiring this technology, Horizon continues to demonstrate its commitment to modernizing and adapting to better meet the needs of our patients and their families,” said David Arbeau, Executive Director, Fredericton and Upper River Valley areas. “This platform redefines the experience of ALC patients by providing a personalized and engaging system that helps ensure their comfort and well-being while awaiting placement in a long-term care setting.”

The patient entertainment systems are designed to improve the hospital stay experience for the unit’s ALC patients and their families, and will evolve to a fully interactive and comprehensive bedside experience moving forward which will include features such as:

• On-demand television
• Wi-Fi
• Social media channels
• Video calls
• Meal ordering
• Facility information and educational healthcare resources

“By harnessing innovative partnerships and solutions, we can continue to improve patient experiences,” said Jennifer Sheils, Horizon’s Vice President of Strategy, Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer. “We look forward to providing even more solutions to meet the needs of our patients and our staff, now and into the future.”

This technology upgrade is just one initiative to improve the inpatient experience at Horizon.

A similar upgrade is nearing completion at The J.T. Clark Family Foundation Ambulatory Clinic at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital and a separate project is planned for the new women and children’s unit, which is currently under development at Horizon’s The Moncton 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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