New Brunswick’s long-term care system is being put under the microscope over the coming months.
The province’s seniors’ advocate announced Monday that he is launching a systemic review of the system.
“It’s one of the areas that we hear the most from New Brunswickers on is the long-term care system, both availability and quality,” Kelly Lamrock told reporters.
The review will look at the needs of the long-term care system in the areas of governance, portability, human resources, quality and security, and quality of life for New Brunswickers.
Lamrock said there is an urgency to this review given the current strain on our health-care system.
“We have too many folks who need a spot in long-term care, who should be aging at home or in a dedicated specialized community-based placement, and they’re in hospital beds,” he said.
“What we’re hearing with seniors in hospitals is it’s hard for staff who are run ragged to provide the kind of dedicated care that you would get in a special care and nursing home. It’s starting to take up beds, spaces and resources that are creating a worrisome urgent care system.”
The Office of the Advocate will receive $150,000 from the Department of Social Development to help with the review.
The review will be supported by an advisory group, which will be announced in the coming days. There will also be a public engagement component to the review.
Lamrock will provide a final report with recommendations by October.
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