Statement: Horizon’s Hôtel-Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital Interim Service Delivery Plan October 13, 2020 Horizon’s Hôtel-Dieu of St. Joseph (HDSJ) in Perth-Andover has been facing critical nursing shortages and recruitment challenges, despite extensive recruitment efforts to fill vacancies. Reduced staffing levels have been a reality in both the Emergency Department and the inpatient medical unit for many months but have reached a critical status in recent weeks. Without immediate intervention, this situation would certainly worsen. Horizon consulted with local staff and physicians over the past two weeks to identify safe and appropriate solutions to the staffing challenges. An temporary service delivery plan was developed. It ensures that full resources of the facility are utilized and that patients continue to receive safe and quality care. Today, we implemented the interim plan. Effective immediately, the inpatient medical unit will be reduced by seven beds. As a result, there may be situations when acute care patients are transferred to Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital. The Emergency Department remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and palliative care services will continue. We recognize the significant challenges that a Canada-wide nursing shortage presents but will continue our nursing recruitment efforts for HDSJ for Perth-Andover and surrounding communities. Horizon would like to extend our thanks to staff and physicians for their collaboration in developing this interim service delivery plan. We are committed to keeping staff, patients and communities updated on this situation. Geri Geldart, Vice-President Clinical Services, Horizon Health Network