The Horizon Health Network is trying to avoid last year's hospital holiday crunch at emergency departments.

In 2023, the health network saw extra long wait times between Christmas and New Year's, prompting concern from residents, and a warning on social media by one Fredericton doctor.

On Tuesday, Horizon CEO Margaret Melanson said the network has made changes to alleviate pressure on emergency rooms, including: 

• Adding 80 new acute care beds, split among Saint John, Fredericton and Miramichi
• Cre…