New Brunswick’s premier has halted a plan by Horizon Health that would have seen some registered nurses shifted into new roles.
Some RNs working for New Brunswick Public Health have been told their positions are being replaced by licensed practical nurses.
Premier Susan Holt said in a statement Thursday afternoon that she was “extremely concerned” to hear about the potential changes to roles in Public Health and Addiction and Mental Health.
“Ministers [John] Dornan, [Rob] McKee and I have asked that there be a stop to these activities until meaningful consultation is done to ensure that all those who could be impacted have their concerns heard and that decisions are made in collaboration with those working on the front lines,” said Holt.
The statement came hours after Horizon Health President Margaret Melanson was set to speak with reporters to discuss “changes to strengthen Horizon’s Public Health and Addiction and Mental Health services.”
However, the media availability was abruptly cancelled about an hour before it was set to take place, with Melanson sending a statement to reporters later in the day.
“Horizon is in the early stages of a transformation aimed at strengthening the way we deliver Public Health and Addiction and Mental Health services to reflect the evolving needs in our communities,” she said.
“At the heart of this change is our shared goal: to create a sustainable health care system that puts patients first and ensures we can deliver the highest-quality care possible.”
Melanson went on to say that the health authority remains committed to engaging in dialogue with its staff and all relevant stakeholders.
“This transformation will not happen overnight, and it will not happen without the voices of our teams at the table.”
