Horizon Health Network says it’s having to prioritize trauma and critical care patients this weekend at some of its largest emergency rooms in the province with the hope those seeking non-urgent care find it elsewhere.
The announcement Friday says emergency room departments are extremely busy in Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton and Miramichi, with each health centre experiencing already long wait times.
At issue is the number of patients having to seek care at emergency rooms for what Horizon describes as “non-urgent medical issues,” adding those seeking non-critical care have been and will continue to experience the longest wait times at the ER.
Horizon is now asking the public to consider other options for non-urgent medical issues over the weekend, listing those who are feeling unwell should instead consider contacting their primary care provider or an after-hours clinic.
It adds others requiring a prescription refill should consult their local pharmacist while those with other health-related issues should contact the province’s 811 Tele-Care health service.
The health network maintains anyone with a medical emergency should call 911 or proceed to a local emergency department as trauma and critical care patients are the highest priority.
