New Brunswick initiative hopes to shorten time spent waiting in emergency rooms
A health network in New Brunswick is trying something new, hoping to end long wait times in emergency rooms.
In emergency rooms within the Vitalité Health Network, patients with "non-urgent issues" will have the option to book an appointment at a medical clinic, with a family physician or nurse practitioner within 48-hours.
“I would like to think both authorities are utilizing all resources that are available to patients so I think that’s a fine idea,” Premier Blaine Higgs said. “I would believe Horizon [Health Network] would indeed do the same because we need to ensure that we provide the service and we weill likely have to do it in different ways."
The English health network has not said whether it will join the pilot program.
BILINGUALISM CONCERNS
Not everyone is convinced the plan will meet bilingualism requirements.
“If the health authorities are not able to provide the service at the emergency room for non-urgent service at the end if the patient is sent to another location that the official language act and the service in both languages should apply and the people should be able to receive the service in their own language,” said Jean-Claude D’Amour, MLA Edmundston-Madawaska Centre.
The hospitals taking part in the pilot program are Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital, Chaleur Regional Hospital, Tracadie Hospital and Enfant-Jésus RHSJ† Hospital.
In the media release, the Vice President of Community Services and Mental Health said: “Patients who go to Emergency for a non-urgent issue often have difficulty obtaining access to a primary care provider in a timely fashion.”
Vitalite Health Network says any patient who accepts an appointment has the right to return to the emergency room for the same reasons or if their condition gets worse before their scheduled appointment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.