Priority given to swift due process for nursing home admissions amidst hospital congestion due to overcapacity

Priority given to swift due process for nursing home admissions amidst hospital congestion due to overcapacity

In New Brunswick, a critical shortage of long-term care (LTC) capacity is causing overcrowding in regional hospitals. According to healthcare officials, over 650 patients in four key hospitals no longer require acute care but are waiting for placement in LTC facilities, marking the highest number recorded to date[1][2][5].

The hospitals affected include the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital (Fredericton), Saint John Regional Hospital, Upper River Valley Hospital (Waterville), and Miramichi Regional Hospital[2][5]. Approximately 40% of all acute care beds in Horizon Health Network facilities are occupied by patients who, medically, do not need to be in hospital but cannot be discharged due to the unavailability of LTC beds[1][2].

This situation is described as "unsustainable" and a major contributor to hospital overcrowding, which impacts not only bed availability but also strains nursing staff and emergency care services[1][2]. In response, the provincial government has granted 'critical state admission prioritization status' which places patients in hospitals at the top of the waiting list for LTC beds for at least 30 days[2].

However, the problem extends beyond just bed availability. There are currently 1,093 people on the LTC waitlist in the province, with 483 waiting in hospital, indicating a systemic bottleneck[3]. Experts and advocates warn that simply increasing beds is insufficient without addressing staff shortages and the broader care system, which also causes delays in assessment and placement processes[3].

The government of New Brunswick has been working to bolster the long-term care sector and expand home care options to relieve pressure on the health system since October[6]. The Horizon Health Network has requested the urgent transfer of patients in four hospitals to nursing homes, with Margaret Melanson's request to the provincial government being a "measure of last resort," according to her statement[4].

If enough LTC beds were available, approximately 360 patients could be immediately discharged from hospitals, according to Margaret Melanson. However, the premier did not provide a clear estimate of how many hospital beds would be liberated over the next month due to the government's move to prioritize some patients[4].

Population growth in recent years has resulted in the number of people requiring care growing at a rate that outstrips the number of LTC beds available. The premier has been working to get the right system and supports in place to achieve the ideal situation, where people not find themselves in the hospital in the first place because they can get the care they need at home[7].

References: [1] CBC News. (2021, February 15). New Brunswick premier blames lack of long-term care space for overcrowding at four hospitals. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-premier-blames-lack-of-long-term-care-space-for-overcrowding-at-four-hospitals-1.5909102

[2] CBC News. (2021, February 16). New Brunswick government to fast-track patients from hospitals into long-term care. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-government-to-fast-track-patients-from-hospitals-into-long-term-care-1.5910165

[3] CBC News. (2021, February 16). New Brunswick's long-term care system in crisis, advocates say. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-s-long-term-care-system-in-crisis-advocates-say-1.5910073

[4] Horizon Health Network. (2021, February 15). Horizon Health Network requests urgent transfer of patients to long-term care facilities. Retrieved from https://www.horizonnb.ca/media/news/horizon-health-network-requests-urgent-transfer-of-patients-to-long-term-care-facilities

[5] Telegraph-Journal. (2021, February 15). More than 650 patients in New Brunswick hospitals waiting for long-term care. Retrieved from https://www.telegraphjournal.com/news/local-news/new-brunswick-news/more-than-650-patients-in-new-brunswick-hospitals-waiting-for-long-term-care-327903/

[6] CBC News. (2021, February 16). New Brunswick government to fast-track patients from hospitals into long-term care. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-government-to-fast-track-patients-from-hospitals-into-long-term-care-1.5910165

[7] CBC News. (2021, February 16). New Brunswick premier wants to prevent hospital visits by providing better care at home. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-premier-wants-to-prevent-hospital-visits-by-providing-better-care-at-home-1.5910118

1. The shortage of long-term care (LTC) capacity in New Brunswick is causing health and wellness concerns, particularly in four key hospitals.
2. Science indicates that overcrowding in hospitals leads to strains on nursing staff and emergency care services.
3. Approximately 40% of all acute care beds in Horizon Health Network facilities are occupied by patients who no longer require hospital care due to the unavailability of LTC beds.
4. This critical situation has resulted in over 650 patients waiting for LTC facility placement, marking the highest number recorded to date.
5. The hospitals affected include the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, Saint John Regional Hospital, Upper River Valley Hospital, and Miramichi Regional Hospital.
6. Experts and advocates warn that increasing LTC beds is insufficient without addressing staff shortages and the broader care system.
7. The provincial government has granted 'critical state admission prioritization status' to place patients at the top of the waiting list for LTC beds.
8. However, it is unclear how many hospital beds will be freed up over the next month due to this move, as the premier did not provide a clear estimate.
9. The premier aims to achieve a situation where people no longer find themselves in the hospital because they can get the care they need at home.
10. The government of New Brunswick has been working to bolster the LTC sector and expand home care options to relieve pressure on the health system.
11. Population growth has resulted in the number of people requiring care outstripping the number of LTC beds available.
12. Workplace-wellness initiatives may help prevent hospital visits by promoting fitness and exercise, nutrition, and therapies and treatments.
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