Residents in the Sussex area will have to go elsewhere on Monday if they require emergency care.
Horizon Health said no emergency physician is available to staff the emergency department that day.
Virtual and in-person care will still be available for urgent but non-life-threatening medical needs from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Examples of urgent, non-life-threatening medical needs include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Urinary tract infections
- Mild respiratory issues
- Mild aches and pains
- Rashes or allergic reactions
- Mild abdominal pain
- Minor infections
Patients requiring emergency care will be transported to another facility. Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency or in need of emergency services should call 911.
“Horizon is working hard to ensure New Brunswickers have access to the care they need, when they need it, and we are actively recruiting physicians and other health care workers to staff all vacancies in our facilities,” said the health authority.
“This interim solution allows us to keep the Sussex Health Centre Emergency Department open while recruitment is ongoing.”
Horizon ends physician financial incentive
However, the president of the New Brunswick Medical Society said “further closures are inevitable” unless Horizon reinstates a financial incentive for in-person physician coverage in Sussex and Charlotte County.
Dr. Lise Babin said the incentive, which has been in place for the past two quarters, will be suspended effective Saturday.
“These targeted incentives have played a crucial role in keeping rural emergency departments open in these communities,” Babin said in a statement, noting Monday’s closure shows the impact of the decision is already being felt.
“Without a physician on-site, an emergency department is effectively closed. While virtual care has its place, it is not a substitute for in-person emergency services.”
Babin said they are engaged with affected physicians, the health authority and the Department of Health to advocate for solutions that ensure patients in these communities continue to have access to timely emergency care.
“This decision is deeply concerning and reinforces our longstanding fears of a deliberate shift away from rural emergency services. It appears that a successful, proven measure is being removed — potentially to justify the introduction of a virtual care pilot project that cannot replace in-person emergency care,” she said.
“Decisions that fundamentally alter access to care for rural communities must not be made behind closed doors. Our health system already faces significant challenges. We cannot afford to create new ones.”
