COVID-19: Edmundston Regional Hospital limits new admissions

Bathurst, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 – In the face of the continuing increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in the greater Edmundston area (Zone 4) requiring admission to hospital, the Network has no choice but to limit new admissions to this facility as much as possible. This measure is effective immediately and will be re-evaluated on April 8.

“The UK variant of COVID-19 is hitting the Edmundston area with unprecedented strength. Many patients with this variant must be admitted due to the seriousness of their symptoms requiring acute care.  The Intensive Care Unit of the Edmundston Regional Hospital is at capacity in its ability to provide safe care to patients on respirators,” indicated Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.

In accordance with our emergency plan, COVID-19 patients from the greater Edmundston area requiring admission to hospital will be diverted to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (Fredericton).

Non-COVID 19 patients requiring admission to hospital will be diverted to the Grand Falls General Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin, Campbellton Regional Hospital and Chaleur Regional Hospital.  “Ambulance New Brunswick has been advised of the situation and new measures are in place. Care corridors have been established between the province’s various hospitals based on their geographic proximity and intake capacity,” the Network’s CEO explained.

“Our initial concerns when COVID-19 arrived in New Brunswick have become part of our new normal.  Now more than ever is the time to bear down and redouble our efforts to overcome this pandemic, which is continuing to have devastating effects on our communities. Wash your hands, wear a mask and, if you’re over 55 years of age, get vaccinated. Help us lighten the burden on our employees, who are working tirelessly to keep your families, friends and loved ones safe and healthy. To all those who have been vaccinated and who continue to follow the preventive measures set out by Public Health, we express our sincere thanks!” she concluded.