(HORIZON) June 1, 2016 - Horizon Health Network is building on the success of its 2014 Fredericton-based 'Missed Appointment' campaign to further reduce the number of medical appointment 'no-shows' throughout the province.

In 2013, of 400,000 annual medical appointments on the books, 24,000 people failed to attend. These absences impacted wait lists, access to services and staff resources. To address this issue, Horizon launched a multi-media campaign to remind patients about the importance of attending their medical appointments with the simple concept: attend your appointment or call to cancel and re-book.

Campaign results were very positive, revealing successful implementation in most areas and a 50 per cent reduction in the number of missed appointments. This project expanded beyond Fredericton and over the next few weeks we will be reminding all Horizon patients of the importance of calling to cancel and rebook if you are unable to make your appointment.

Horizon President and CEO, John McGarry noted this success, and praised the impact it has had in furthering Horizon's mission to 'Help People Be Healthy.'

"The high number of missed appointments was affecting our ability to provide timely and quality care to patients," said McGarry. "Since the campaign started we've seen a decrease in wait lists, improved access to services and financial savings."

Gary Foley, Vice President, Professional Services for Horizon said the goal was and is to educate patients and clients to understand that showing up for scheduled appointments is the best option for their health.

"Calling to rebook when you can't make it also ensures others who are waiting are not needlessly delayed," he said. "If you can't make your appointment, chances are, someone else can. A simple call to reschedule or cancel can benefit other patients as well as staff."

For more information please visit www.HorizonNB.ca .

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For more information contact:

Stephanie Neilson-Levesque
Senior Media Relations Advisor
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca