Health News
New Brunswick summit aims to seek alternate levels of care
The provincial government of New Brunswick will hold a summit Oct. 7 in Moncton to address alternate levels of care in the province's hospitals.
"We are taking the necessary steps to improve our health-care system to ensure the best possible quality of life for all New Brunswickers," said Health Minister Victor Boudreau.
July 21, 2015 By Massage Therapy Canada staff
“It is our hope that this summit will provide us with valuable insight on how we can alleviate hospital congestion, reduce wait times, improve access to hospital beds and reduce the number of surgical cancellations in our hospitals.”
Key stakeholders from the regional health authorities, health-care professionals, as well as the nursing home, special care homes and community-based care sectors will be invited to participate in the summit to share their views on how to improve access to alternate levels of care. Speakers from outside of New Brunswick will discuss how other jurisdictions have overcome similar challenges.
“We know that seniors prefer to remain in their own homes and communities,” said Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers. “It is important to have everyone around the table to discuss the entire continuum of care, which includes community-based options like the ones we have begun to initiate under our Home First Strategy.”
The Home First Strategy represents a shift away from lengthy hospital stays toward home and community-based support and services.
The summit is expected to create a common understanding among stakeholders and the government on the issues and opportunities related to alternate levels of care.
“We all need to have a common understanding and appreciation of the challenges we are facing with hospital congestion and the full continuum of care,” said Boudreau. “There is no quick or easy solution, but we are going to begin by collaborating with stakeholders and engaging in a dialogue that will lead us toward concrete action and solutions for the short, medium and long-term.”
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