Changes are coming to the Nursing Home Act in New Brunswick to facilitate the flow and to accelerate access to appropriate care.
It comes after Horizon Health Network sought critical state admission for patients in hospital care who no longer required it.
In July, the regional health authority asked the Department of Social Development that the four regional hospitals “be granted critical state admission prioritization status for the rapid placement of patients who no longer require acute care.”
The new changes would eliminate the critical state state admission process for alternate-level-of-care patients waiting for nursing home placements, according to a release from the Department of Social Development.
It said the new process would allow the minister of social development to disrupt the normal waitlist management process if, over the previous seven days, bed occupancy exceeded 95 per cent, with more than 25 per cent of those beds considered ALC 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,” said Social Development Minister Cindy Miles. “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.”
The new system will be in effect for 120, according to the DSD, at the province’s eight regional hospitals. It will be reviewed for extension after that time.
DSD said the changes are designed to alleviate stress on the health-care system by reducing overcrowding.
Health Minister Dr. John Dornan, who is former president and CEO of Horizon Health Network, said his department recognizes the impact ALC patients have on the hospital system.
“Our government is working closely with the regional health authorities to improve patient flow and ensure hospitals are used to their fullest potential,” he said.
People in the community may also be prioritized under the new changes, if those individuals are deemed to be at exceptional risk with their health and safety. Those approved under that provision will supersede those in hospital.
The province has 78 licensed nursing homes, providing 5,373 beds. There are 431 adult residential facilities offering care and services to about 7,600 residents.
A total of 640 nursing home beds have been awarded since 2021 under the 2018–2023 Nursing Home Plan; 460 of those beds have opened, with another 180 currently under construction
“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,” said Horizon Health Network CEO Margaret Melanson.
The Department of Social Development said it is developing a new long-term care plan, including a five-year nursing home plan, which it said could be released in the fall.
