Patients at Moncton’s two hospitals waiting for nursing home placements are being given priority.

The social development minister approved the temporary prioritization due to overcrowding, the province announced Tuesday.

It will be in effect for up to 120 days, at which time the minister may consider extending it.

“New Brunswickers deserve care in the setting that best meets their needs,” Minister Cindy Miles said in a news release.

“That’s why our government is working closely with regional health authorities to improve patient flow, ease pressure on hospitals, and make sure those awaiting long-term care have access to the right supports when they need them most.”

Regional health authorities used to be able to apply for 30-day “critical state” admissions to give those patients priority.

Now, the minister can ignore the normal chronological wait list for 120 days at a time when hospital occupancy is critically high.

Hospital bed occupancy must exceed 95 per cent over a one-week period, and 25 per cent of those beds must be occupied by alternate-level-of-care patients.

Social development may prioritize people in the community deemed to be at “exceptional risk” with respect to health and safety. If approved, those individuals will supersede admissions from hospitals.