FREDERICTON – Emergency room wait times in New Brunswick are significantly higher than acceptable levels, and the province’s long-term care system is facing a crisis decades in the making, according to a newly released audit and CBC reporting. The audit, conducted by Martin, found that only one-third of patients visiting emergency rooms are seen by a physician within the recommended timeframe. Even those with the most urgent needs only receive immediate medical attention just over half the time.

Years of Warnings Ignored

The report highlights a systemic failure to address the growing demand for long-term care, with warnings dating back to 1991 consistently identifying the same issues. Despite these repeated warnings from government reports spanning three decades, successive governments have failed to implement effective solutions. The current crisis is compounded by an aging population and a growing number of patients occupying hospital beds while awaiting placement in long-term care facilities – known as ‘alternate level of care’ (ALC) patients.

Current Situation and Government Response

Currently, approximately 110 ALC patients are in New Brunswick hospitals, 73 of whom are waiting for long-term care beds. Health PEI is also reporting hospitals operating over capacity, utilizing unconventional spaces and overtime for staff. Premier Blaine Holt’s government has stated its goal is to maintain the current waitlist numbers, acknowledging that demographic projections suggest a significant increase without intervention.

Former Premier Blaine Higgs attempted to address the issue in 2019 by proposing to eliminate nighttime emergency care at six smaller hospitals and convert them into ALC facilities. However, the plan faced significant public opposition and was quickly abandoned. Current Health Minister John Dornan, who was previously fired by Higgs in 2022, acknowledges the challenges and states he is working to implement recommendations, including a comprehensive ER strategy.

Calls for Systemic Change

Experts are calling for more than just incremental changes. There is a consensus that structural and personnel changes within the Department of Health and regional health authorities are necessary to ensure accountability and drive improvements. Cecile Casista, a long-time advocate for seniors, argues that a lack of political will has consistently hampered progress, with governments only acting during times of crisis.