With the arrival of summer, the Horizon Health Network is reminding residents to limit their trips to the emergency room.
Officials say the network’s ERs continue to face staffing shortages, causing longer wait times for non-urgent cases as the most vulnerable patients are given priority.
“We are not forecasting substantial service impacts in our clinical and community settings this summer, however, staffing situations do change quickly when factoring in sick leaves, resignations and retirements,” read a news release from the network.
Horizon said, if necessary, service changes could include lowering the number of inpatient beds and cancelling elective surgeries.
Officials suggest if you are dealing with a non-emergency case, you should try other avenues, such as a primary care provider or walk-in clinic, Tele-Care 811, eVisitNB or consulting a pharmacist.
The network adds it is working to improve the patient experience in ERs by “optimizing patient flow” while reducing wait times and ambulance offload delays.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to provide our employees with time off this summer while ensuring the continuation of safe, timely access to health care services,” the network said.
“Horizon is grateful for the contributions of all staff during these challenging times, and understands how difficult the pandemic has been on so many.”
