COVID-19: Alert Level Increase in All Network Facilities
Bathurst, Friday, December 31, 2021 – Given the rise in COVID-19 cases in the last few days caused by the Omicron variant and its impact on human resources, Vitalité Health Network is raising its alert level to red, effective immediately.
“We must be ready to face an increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the days and weeks to come in a context where many of our health care workers will also be affected by the virus. It is thus important for us to prepare for this situation. Our top priority is to maintain essential services to the population by redeploying staff to critical areas such as intensive care units, emergency departments and COVID-19 units,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of the Network. Pandemic-related services such as vaccination and testing will also need to be maintained.
HOSPITAL SERVICES
Inpatient care and services: Care and services provided to inpatients will be maintained in all hospitals.
Emergency departments: All emergency rooms will be open.
Surgical services: Reduced activities; elective surgeries will be postponed.
Ambulatory care services: Reduced activities.
Oncology and hemodialysis services: Services will be maintained.
Professional services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, nutrition, respiratory therapy, etc.): Reduced activities.
Medical imaging services (x-rays, scans, etc.): Reduced activities.
Phlebotomy (bloodwork): Patients can come in for their blood tests.
PANDEMIC-RELATED SERVICES
COVID-19 vaccination clinics: Offered as scheduled, with or without an appointment; check the Network’s website and social media often for updates.
COVID-19 testing clinics: Open, by appointment only.
Rapid test kit pickup sites: Some sites may be closed. Check the Network’s website and social media before going to a site to pick up a kit.
COMMUNITY, MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES
Mental health and addiction services: Services will be maintained.
Community health centres, health centres and medical clinics: Reduced activities.
VISITORS, APPOINTMENTS AND ACCESS
Visitors: General visits are still completely prohibited in all hospitals. Exceptions are in place for patients who are eligible for a designated support person. Due to exposure notices, some units are not allowing designated support persons to visit. Check the Network's website and social media often.
Appointments: Patients who have an appointment may report for their appointment at the scheduled time and date. The Network will contact patients whose appointments must be postponed.
Infection prevention measures: Checks at facility entrances and the application of all preventive measures recommended by Public Health, such as wearing a mask, physical distancing and frequent handwashing, are still in effect.
