Health network reducing N.B. nursing, physician vacancies

Horizon Health has released its five-year strategic plan for New Brunswick health care.

New Brunswick’s largest health network is looking toward the future, but says it’s in a good position staffing wise right now.

Horizon Health has released a five-year plan they say will transform health care through innovation.

Horizon president and CEO Margaret Melanson said recruitment efforts are stronger than ever at this time.

“For our nursing staff, we only have 61 external vacancies and so with a workforce with close to 5,000 nurses, this is really exceptional,” said Melanson.

Horizon has recruited a total of 172 new doctors since the end of March, a net of 125 new physicians.

As for emergency department resources, Melanson said they’re stabilized with the hours that are currently in place.

“At this point in time we have not made plans to increase those hours, that may change as the months evolve,” she said.

Retention rates right now are excellent within the health network right now, Melanson said, with the voluntary turnover rate less than eight per cent.

Over the past two years, Horizon has emphasized a number of initiatives geared toward staff engagement and retention.

“This is actually a hallmark nation wide. Nation wide voluntary turnover rate within health care is closer to 15 per cent,” said Melanson. “So you can see that we’re working very, very well.”

Horizon has laid out four strategic pillars of the 2025-2030 strategic plan, “Transforming Health Care Through Innovation,” that are intended to design the health-care system needed now and in the near future.

• Transformative Community Care
• Excellence in Hospital Care
• Our People at Their Best
• Trusted Partner in Research and Innovation

As part of the strategic plan, Horizon said it’s committed to reducing wait times for surgery, medical imaging and emergency room visits.

During a virtual press conference, Melanson was asked how much the plan would cost taxpayers.

“We have a budget that has been provided to us by our provincial government and at this point in time our intention is to live as far as possible within our means,” said Melanson.

Other goals include supporting health-care workers in the province through a safe and inclusive work environment and becoming recognized as a trusted partner in research and innovation.

In a news release, Horizon board chair Susan Harley said the plan will have the goal of a high-performance, transformational health-care system.

“This plan will build upon our previous work and outline how we will achieve our vision of providing exceptional care, every day,” said Harley.

The plan was developed by management and board members through engagement sessions and surveys which were completed by more than 1,400 physicians and staff.

Several consultation sessions with health-care partners, community stakeholders and government partners were also conducted as well as a public survey completed by 214 people in the province.

Harley said the input received will guide Horizon’s initiatives up until 2030.

“We will continue to offer opportunities for New Brunswickers to provide their feedback and will report regularly on our progress as we advance and achieve our strategic goals,” said Harley.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.