FREDERICTON -- The New Brunswick government will hold a summit Oct. 7 in Moncton to address the issue of seniors being kept in hospitals while awaiting placement in nursing homes or other care.
Health Minister Victor Boudreau says officials from the regional health authorities, nursing homes, special care homes and community-based care will be invited to give their views on how to improve care.
He says it's hoped they'll be able to find ways to alleviate hospital congestion, reduce wait times and improve access to hospital beds.
Boudreau says it's particularly important because of New Brunswick's aging population.
The New Brunswick Medical Society says the best solution is to build more nursing homes in the province.
It says the average wait time for placement in a nursing home is about four months, and the government could save millions of dollars by reducing the hospital stay of seniors awaiting other care.
