New Brunswick’s social development minister now has more leeway to move hospital patients into nursing homes.
Many hospital beds across the province have been tied up by alternate-level-of-care patients who are awaiting nursing home beds.
Regional health authorities have been able to apply for 30-day “critical state” admissions to give those patients priority.
Now, the minister can ignore the normal chronological wait list for 120 days at a time when hospital occupancy is critically high.
Hospital bed occupancy must exceed 95 per cent over a one-week period, and 25 per cent of those beds must be occupied by alternate-level-of-care patients.
“We know this situation didn’t develop overnight, and, while it won’t be solved overnight, our government is tackling it head-on with a commitment to lasting change for New Brunswickers,” Social Development Minister Cindy Miles said in a news release.
“We’re focused not only on short-term solutions, but also on building the right supports and services in our communities to create a more sustainable future.”
Provincial officials said the change aims to alleviate stress on the health-care system by reducing hospital overcrowding.
The move is being welcomed by the president and CEO of the Horizon Health Network, which has dealt with the brunt of overcrowding.
“By prioritizing these patients for nursing home placement when hospital occupancy is critically high, we can improve patient flow, reduce overcrowding, and ensure patients are cared for in the most appropriate setting for their needs,” Margaret Melanson said in the release.
New Brunswick has 78 licensed nursing homes with nearly 5,400 beds. There are also 431 adult residential facilities providing care and services to about 7,600 residents.
A total of 640 nursing home beds have been awarded since 2021 — 460 of those beds have opened, with another 180 currently under construction.
Social Development is developing a new long-term care plan, including a five-year nursing home plan, which is expected to be released later this fall.
