The Saint John Regional Hospital. (Image: Brad Perry)
A Horizon Health Network pilot program focused on diversion from the emergency department could be expanded to other communities.
The project, outlined at a recent Horizon board meeting, was launched at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton last August.
Non-urgent patients who arrive at the hospital’s emergency department and meet specific criteria are diverted to a nearby clinic led by a nurse practitioner. Only a short walk away, the clinic operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though those times could be extended,
Jean Daigle, vice-president community for Horizon, told board members the staff could manage 18 patients per staff at the current capacity. Since August, 480 patients have been diverted to the clinic.
Daigle said in a traditional emergency room, patients could spend 10 hours at the hospital, while the clinic has them out the door within two to three hours.
When asked about expanding to other markets, Daigle said there have been preliminary discussions, though it is vital the clinic be in close proximity to the hospital.
“I can’t say in terms of an exact timeline, but we are having that dialogue in terms of having Saint John and Moncton understand the model better and some of our preliminary work in Fredericton,” said Daigle.
Another Horizon pilot program began last week in the Moncton and Saint John regions.
The health network made estimated wait times available for the Saint John Regional Hospital and The Moncton Hospital.
