False directive attributed to the President and CEO concerning the patient television service

Edmundston, October 30, 2013 – Pierre Verret, Chief Operating Officer of the Northwest Zone of Vitalité Health Network, wishes to set the record straight regarding erroneous information circulated on social networks Tuesday, October 29, concerning the patient television service at the Edmundston Regional Hospital and a false statement attributed to CEO Rino Volpé.

This week, the hospital patient television service is in the process of being transferred from the current supplier, HOS TV,  to a new one, Hospitality Network. This transition is taking place following a call for tenders process conducted for this service.

“A technician from HOS TV apparently told several patients and individuals that all patient televisions in Vitalité Health Network hospitals would be removed by order of senior management under the pretext that people stayed in the hospital too long. These are erroneous, unfounded and very inappropriate comments on the part of this individual,” said Mr. Verret. “This individual was asked to never show up here again as a representative from HOS TV.”

Unfortunately, these false rumours apparently circulated very much on social media and triggered many reactions in the Edmundston community. “The patient television service is in no way compromised. We are simply changing suppliers. We have also expressed our concerns to HOS TV. The Vice-President immediately contacted us to apologize for the inappropriate comments made by their employee.”

Transition to the new company will take place between October 31 and November 4, 2013. Although priority will be given to rooms where patients are currently renting the television service, there may be a temporary service interruption during the change in suppliers.

“During these times of change within the health care system, some will take the opportunity to circulate misleading information. We invite people to contact the hospital’s administration at 739-2200 when they have questions regarding patient care. We will certainly be ready to listen and answer their questions”.