New Brunswick prioritizes nursing home placements to alleviate Bathurst hospital

For the second time in less than a month, Vitalité Health Network says obstetrical services at Chaleur Regional Hospital will not be available for at least another week.

The Government of New Brunswick has approved temporary prioritization of patients at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, who are waiting for admission to nursing homes.

“This prioritization is a step toward easing the strain, but it’s not a full solution,” said Social Development Minister Cindy Miles. “We recognize the urgent and pressing circumstances we’re facing. We know that seniors deserve better than long hospital stays. That’s why our government remains focused on delivering timely, appropriate care, ensuring people are supported when – and where – it matters most.”

The Chaleur Regional Hospital is part of the Vitalité Health Network.

Nursing home admissions are usually done in chronological order, but due to critical circumstances, the minister has authority to prioritize admission of alternate-level-of-care patients waiting in hospital, a news release from the province stated.

This can occur in hospitals where:

• the emergency department is over capacity and there are prolonged off-loading delays from ambulance bays
• acute care units are over capacity
• critical surgeries are cancelled due to a lack of available hospital beds

The changes can be enacted for up to 30 days during these critical states.

“It’s essential that patients are in the right setting for their needs,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “Our government understands that the high number of patients in hospitals waiting for long-term care is putting real pressure on our health system. That’s why we’re working in close partnership with the regional health authorities to improve patient flow, free up critical hospital resources and ensure that those awaiting long-term care receive supportive care in a more suitable environment.”

The province has 78 licensed nursing homes with 5,373 beds. There are 431 adult residential facilities offering care and services to about 7,600 residents.

“The department is working to streamline the alternate-level-of-care assessment process. Wait times can be influenced by several factors, including the time people need to make informed decisions. To support clients during this initial period, interim home support services may be offered to help stabilize urgent situations while assessments are completed,” the news release said.

The Social Development department is also piloting an initiative funded under the Aging with Dignity bilateral agreement. The pilot introduces long-term care coordinators to improve services access and care navigation.

The Nursing Home Without Walls program has also received funding from the department to help seniors stay in their communities and receive services tailored to their specific needs.

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