(Horizon) December 02, 2016 - Horizon Health Network has engaged Medtronic Integrated Health Solutions (IHS) in a five-year partnership aimed at creating innovative solutions that will help improve system efficiencies and improve patient access at the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC). 

"Building on our ongoing commitment to 'helping people be healthy', the New Brunswick Heart Centre and Horizon's Performance Excellence team will work in partnership with Medtronic (IHS) to create innovative solutions that will help improve patient access," said John McGarry, President and CEO of Horizon Health Network. "This will provide our team with the international expertise needed to enhance the effectiveness of the New Brunswick Heart Centre, and help us continue towards our commitment of providing world-class patient care." 

Medtronic Canada is a subsidiary of Medtronic plc, which is one of the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies with locations in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. 

"We are honoured to partner with Horizon Health Network on this innovative, multi-year, results-focused project," said Neil Fraser, president of Medtronic Canada. "Similar Medtronic collaborations in Europe and around the world have had significant impact on patient access and engagement and we look forward to partnering with Horizon to help it achieve its patient-centered objectives in New Brunswick." 

Horizon Health Network's number one strategic priority is to work with patients and families to create and sustain an exceptional patient and family centred care environment. 

"The New Brunswick Heart Centre has achieved excellent clinical outcomes through great research, and continuously implementing global best practices that contribute to patient health and satisfaction," said Dr. Vernon Paddock, Medical Director of the New Brunswick Heart Centre. "This project will focus on enhancing patient access to care, and honour our commitment to deliver the highest quality cardiovascular care possible." 

Horizon's project team includes clinical and medical staff from the New Brunswick Heart Centre and the Saint John Regional Hospital, as well as representatives from the Horizon Performance Excellence Program.

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About Horizon Health Network

Focused on patient and family-centred care, Horizon Health Network operates 12 hospitals and more than 100 medical facilities, clinics and offices, and provides services ranging from acute care to community-based health services.

With a collaborative, team approach to offering services in English and French, Horizon leads the way in delivering sustainable, safe and quality health-care services to residents of New Brunswick, as well as northern Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. 

Horizon has an annual budget of approximately $1 billion and has more than 12,400 employees, 1,000 physicians and 5,700 volunteers, auxiliary and alumnae members, as well as 17 foundations and 18 Auxiliary and Alumnae organizations. Horizon ensures representation from urban and rural areas through a 15-member Board that consists of 7 appointed and 8 elected members of the public.

About the New Brunswick Heart Centre

The New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC) is located in Horizon Health Network's Saint John Regional Hospital. The NBHC has been in operation since April 1991, and is the provincial referral centre for adult tertiary cardiac care in New Brunswick and surrounding areas. Services currently provided at the NBHC include general cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiovascular surgery. The New Brunswick Heart Centre works in partnership with the Provincial health authorities to provide excellence in cardiac care along the entire patient care continuum. 

About Medtronic in Canada

Medtronic Canada (www.medtronic.ca/ihs) is a subsidiary of Medtronic plc, one of the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 1,600 people in Canada and 88,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together. 

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

For more information contact: 

Stephanie Neilson-Levesque
Media Relations 
Horizon Health Network
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca        
www.HorizonNB.ca                                                                            

Melicent Lavers-Sailly
Media Relations
Medtronic Canada
905-460-3653 
melicent.lavers@medtronic.com
www.Medtronic.ca