The Saint John Regional Hospital. Image: Brad Perry

A shortage of nurses has forced the Saint John Regional Hospital to combine two of its units.

Horizon Health confirmed Friday that the palliative care and physical rehabilitation units have been merged.

Greg Doiron, Vice President of Clinical Operations, described the move as “temporary” in a statement but did not provide any other details.

Doiron said the move will ensure they can “continue offering safe and quality care to our patients and clients while supporting our nursing staff during the busiest vacation period.”

“There is a lot of demand and a short supply, so this kind of action – combining units – takes place from time to time to ensure our hardworking staff are able to take their well-deserved vacations to recharge,” he said.

Doiron said no units have closed as a result, but patients have moved to another location.

He also noted there is no reduction to beds or services provided in palliative care.