New 10-Bed Unit Opens at Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus RHSJ† in Caraquet

Caraquet, Thursday, October 15, 2026 – A new 10-bed care unit welcomed its first patient on October 5 at Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus RHSJ† in Caraquet. With the opening of this unit, the hospital’s inpatient capacity has increased from 12 to 22 beds.

The new multipurpose unit accommodates patients requiring medical or palliative care. It enables the hospital to care for more patients locally, reduce admission delays from the Emergency Department and limit certain transfers to other facilities.

“The opening of this unit represents a significant step forward for patients in Caraquet and the Acadian Peninsula. By substantially increasing our capacity and providing our teams with a modern environment better suited to delivering care, we can treat more patients closer to home while improving patient flow throughout the hospital,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.

A Modern Environment Focused on Patient Safety and Experience

Designed to meet current standards, the new unit features private rooms that provide patients with greater privacy and an environment better suited to delivering care. Each room is equipped with a ceiling-mounted patient lift to facilitate safe patient transfers and mobility, as well as a device for monitoring vital signs.

The unit also includes a negative-pressure room, which will allow patients requiring airborne precautions to be cared for safely and help manage risks during an outbreak. These features are designed to improve the patient experience, reduce certain risks associated with care and provide staff with a modern, functional work environment.

Increased Capacity to Better Meet Community Needs

The addition of these 10 beds represents a significant increase in inpatient capacity at Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus RHSJ†. With capacity rising from 12 to 22 beds, the hospital will have greater flexibility to meet community needs and support Emergency Department operations.

This additional capacity will help facilitate the admission of patients requiring hospitalization following an Emergency Department visit and reduce the need for transfers when the required care can be provided in Caraquet.

“Our priority is to ensure that patients can access the care they need, where they need it,” said Premier Susan Holt. “The addition of these 10 beds nearly doubles the hospital’s capacity and will allow more people to receive care right here in their own community. By increasing capacity, we will reduce wait times and better meet the needs of the community.”

Operating the new unit represents approximately 25 full-time positions, including roles in nursing, physiotherapy and social work.

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