Virtual Geriatric Assessment Clinic opens for Miramichi area patients

New temporary virtual clinic brings specialized care to Miramichi seniors, reducing travel burden and hospital visits

(MIRAMICHI) – Patients in the Miramichi area with complex geriatric medical needs will benefit from a new virtual geriatric assessment clinic.

The temporary clinic, located at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital, saw its first virtual patient in late October.

“The goals of this clinic include preventing hospital visits by ensuring geriatric support in the community, improving quality of life and supporting caregivers and family,” said Kathleen Montague, Clinical Executive Director, Seniors Health. “By connecting patients with specialized geriatricians virtually, we’re removing barriers and ensuring seniors receive expert care without the burden of long-distance travel.”

Building on the success of other virtual care initiatives, Horizon continues to harness digital solutions that expand access to specialized expertise while maintaining the personal connection patients deserve.

Patients who are referred to the Miramichi clinic by a primary care provider will attend appointments in-person where they meet with a nurse. The nurse will then connect patients via videoconference to Dr. Pamela Jarrett, a Horizon geriatrician based in Saint John. Geriatricians are physicians who are specially trained to prevent and manage the unique health concerns of older adults.

“We are pleased to help older adults and their families receive the care they need closer to home. Many of the patients who come to the clinic need help because of difficulties with their memory, mobility, cooking, and bathing,” said Dr. Jarrett. “These challenges are often a result of different types of chronic diseases such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or more likely a combination of multiple diseases.”

The new virtual clinic will help address the growing demand for geriatric care in the region while Horizon continues in its efforts to recruit in-person geriatrician coverage in Miramichi.

In fiscal 2023-24, the Miramichi Geriatric Assessment Clinic received 709 new patient referrals.

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