An aging New Brunswick: Vitalité Health Network plans and prepares
Vitalité Health Network, October 27, 2023 – Vitalité Health Network is focused on the aging of the population and striving to find solutions to its impacts on the health system.
The New Brunswick Association of Special Care Home held a conference in Moncton on October 23 and 24, 2023 where health leaders, nursing home managers and human resource management experts highlighted the crucial aspects of long-term care in New Brunswick. On this occasion, Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network, together with her counterpart from Horizon Health Network, outlined the current state of affairs and discussed their organizational priorities in care and services for seniors. Sharon Smyth Okana, Senior Vice-President of Client Programs and Nursing, and Frédéric Finn, Vice-President of Employee Experience, were also in attendance representing the Francophone network.
From left to right, Kevin Vienneau, vice-president of the New Brunswick Association of Special Care Home; Cheyanne Culbert, CEO of Beacon Clinical Group and organizer of the event; Sharon Smyth-Okana, Senior Vice-President of Client Programs and Nursing of Vitalité Health Network; Dr. France Desrosiers, CEO of Vitalité Health Network; and Frédéric Finn, Vice-President of Employee Experience, Vitalité Health Network
Ms. Smyth Okana explained that the aging of New Brunswick’s population will translate into an increased prevalence of chronic illnesses, which may pose serious challenges within the near future. “It’s a perfect storm. The health system is already under unprecedented pressure – with overcrowded hospitals, long lines in emergency departments and ambulances backed up waiting to unload. Surgery waiting times have increased and staffing shortages are affecting patients who require long-term care within the hospital setting,” she added.
New Brunswick’s population is projected to grow significantly – namely by 16% – over the next 20 years. The number of residents aged 65 and over will go from 188,900 to 215,000 in only five years, an increase of 26,300 people. Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network, explained that people aged 65 and over use medical care 2.6 times more often than younger adults.
“The New Brunswick health system is called to redefine itself over the next five to ten years based on in-depth demographic studies, projected human resource needs, and new care and service delivery models, including those using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.”
Vitalité Health Network has a number of improvement projects underway; these involve participation by our teams on the ground, the transparent communication of results, and the publication of performance reports and of quarterly reports to the community.
In addition, the Network has intensified its recruitment and retention efforts by implementing a tactical hiring group, national and international recruitment initiatives, research into staff departures, and retention action plans. Our priorities also include managing employee attendance and improving the processes around new employee intake and orientation, and these efforts are already bearing fruit.
“Human resources are a crucial piece of the puzzle and we have redoubled our efforts in this area. Vitalité Health Network is a good place to work. We want to offer the best possible conditions so we can ensure a healthy future for all New Brunswickers,” Dr. Desrosiers concluded.
