Those using the Emergency Department at several Horizon Health Network hospitals will now know estimated wait times.
They are currently posted on digital screens as a part of a pilot project at the Moncton and Saint John Regional Hospitals. Dr. Everett Chalmers in Fredericton, Miramichi Regional and the Upper River Valley in Waterville will also soon display the wait times as well.
These displays indicate the number of patients waiting, along with the estimated wait times for urgent and less urgent patients.
Horizon President and CEO Dr. John Dornan says sharing these wait times will help improve the patient experience by setting a realistic expectation for their visit. “The goal of these displays is to encourage the public to consider alternate options for care for non-urgent needs, helping to improve congestion throughout our hospitals and lower wait times in our EDs.”