Non-urgent patients asked to avoid 2 major N.B. ERs amid ‘critical’ staff shortages | Globalnews.ca

One of New Brunswick’s health authorities is asking people with non-life-threatening medical needs to not come to the Moncton Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital emergency departments.

In a release, Horizon Health Network said the two hospitals are experiencing “critical shortages” of nursing staff this weekend, from Friday until Sunday.

It said those with non-life-threatening medical needs should not go to either of those emergency departments “as we do not have capacity to triage and care for these patients.”

Sudden onset symptoms, such as chest or stomach pain or weakness in limbs, should be treated as urgent. Those with chronic conditions who are experiencing more normal symptoms should seek care elsewhere, the authority said.

“We recognize the seriousness of this situation and the difficulties it may bring to Moncton and Saint John area residents, as well as to our staff and physicians,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim president and CEO, in the release.

“We are providing on-site support to our staff and physicians who will be providing care to patients with critical injuries or illnesses over the weekend and are thankful for their dedication to their patients.”

The release said this request is being made to ensure the hospital staff “can continue to provide safe and high-quality care to those who are seriously ill.”

“Like health authorities across the country, Horizon continues to face immense pressures related to staffing shortages,” the release said.

“We continue to look at all options to prioritize the delivery of safe and quality care for patients while creating a safe and quality work environment for our staff and physicians.”

The release said Horizon is working closely with Vitalité Health Network to provide emergency services to the entire population.

“These challenges are common to both health authorities and that is why we ask everyone in the Moncton and Saint John areas to help us preserve care for those who need it most and only come to the ED if your health concern is critical,” it said.

The network asked that those with non-urgent needs should visit sowhywait.ca for other health care options or visit evisitnb.ca for information about virtual care.

They can also try visiting another community hospital emergency department, such as:

• Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital (40 minutes, from TMH), open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or
• Horizon’s Sussex Health Centre (50 minutes from each TMH and SJRH), open 24/7; or
• Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital Urgent Care Centre in Saint John (10 minutes from SJRH), open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; or
• Horizon’s Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen (1 hours and 15 minutes from SJRH), open 24/7.

“Both health networks are working diligently to return to normal operations, and we thank the community for their understanding,” the release said.