New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has announced major changes at the top in the health care system following the death of a man waiting in an emergency department.
“We know – and New Brunswickers know – that our health care system is in crisis,” said Higgs. “I am committed to ensuring New Brunswickers have a health care system they can count on when they need it.
“We need to have the right people in place to overcome the situation we are in, to build a better and more stable health-care environment for our province.”
Bruce Fitch has been named the new health minister.
Former health minister Dorothy Shephard is now social development minister and minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation.
Dr. John Dornan is out as CEO and president of the Horizon Health Network after serving only four months.
Dornan will be replaced by Margaret Melanson who currently serves as vice-president of clinical services and interim vice-president of quality and patient-centred care.
The significant moves come following the death of a man who was waiting for care in the emergency department at the Fredericton Chalmers Hospital on July 12.
RELATED STORY: Man Dies While In Emergency Department Waiting Room
Higgs called the death appalling and unacceptable and has asked Horizon to investigate.
If he is not satisfied with the results, he added government will ask for an external review.
“I’m prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect and improve the health care system in our province,” Higgs stated during a media briefing on Friday.
“I have no doubt that every New Brunswicker and all of our health care workers are saddened and concerned by this story. We all want to know that when we go to the hospital, we will receive the help we need.”
Higgs has also effectively dumped the boards of directors of the regional health authorities and replaced them with two trustees.
Suzanne Johnston has been appointed trustee of Horizon Health Network while Gérald Richard is trustee of Vitalité Health Network.
