FREDERICTON – New Brunswick’s healthcare system is under significant strain, according to a damning report released by the province’s Auditor General, Martin. The audit found that two-thirds of emergency room visitors aren’t being seen within a timely fashion, and the Department of Health has no comprehensive plan to improve the situation.

ER Wait Times & Funding Concerns

The report highlights that only one-third of patients are seen by a physician within the recommended timeframe, and even those with urgent needs often face significant delays. Sunnybrook Hospital has been forced to rely on private donor dollars to bring in additional doctors to alleviate pressure, a temporary solution that doesn’t address the systemic issues. Wait times have been reduced by approximately 30 minutes with the additional funding, but the Auditor General stresses this is insufficient.

Decades of Warnings Ignored

The Auditor General’s findings are particularly stark given a series of government reports dating back to 1991 warning of the impending crisis. These reports consistently identified the need for increased long-term care capacity and support for seniors aging in place. Despite these warnings, successive governments have failed to implement lasting solutions.

Long-Term Care Backlog & ALC Patients

The crisis is exacerbated by a severe shortage of long-term care beds. Hospitals are currently housing approximately 110 “alternate level of care” (ALC) patients – individuals who no longer require acute hospital care but are awaiting placement in long-term care facilities, 73 of whom are specifically waiting for long-term care beds. Health PEI is also facing similar capacity issues, adding beds in unconventional spaces and relying on overtime and agency staff.

Political Response & Past Failures

Health Minister John Dornan, who was previously fired by former Premier Blaine Higgs in 2022 following a death in an ER waiting room, acknowledged the challenges and stated he is working to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations. However, critics point to a 2019 attempt by the Higgs government to reduce nighttime emergency care at six small hospitals – a move that was quickly reversed due to public outcry – as a failed attempt to address the issues. The Auditor General’s report also notes that a 2016 policy change increasing government subsidies for nursing home care led to a dramatic increase in the waitlist.

Future Outlook

Health officials are urging patients visiting emergency departments to prepare for longer wait times. Efforts are underway to increase long-term care capacity, with 17 new beds added in the past year and another 24 expected by the end of March. However, the report emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in structure, personnel, and oversight to achieve lasting improvements.