COVID-19: Alert Level Increase in All Network Facilities

Bathurst, September 21, 2021 – Faced with the rise in COVID-19 cases in recent days, the Vitalité Health Network is raising its alert level and implementing new preventive measures aimed at preserving the offer of care and reducing pressure on the health system.

“We must be ready to face an increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the days and weeks to come. It is thus important for us to get prepared and ensure that we have the flexibility necessary to react quickly as needed,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.

Here is the list of new measures that will be applied across the Network:

Reduction of the hospital occupancy rate

This measure aims to reduce the number of admissions to attain a maximum hospital occupancy rate of 85% so that we can free up staff for COVID-19 patients.

Level of service

According to Dr. Desrosiers, the Network is monitoring the evolution of the situation related to the pandemic on a daily basis.  "We are closely monitoring our health care system, including our ability to manage urgent and COVID-19 cases, while maintaining essential services to the population."  The Network's objective remains to maintain the most comprehensive level of service possible.  "However, we must be prepared to temporarily reduce certain services, including ambulatory care services, professional services, diagnostic imaging services and surgical services, if necessary." The level of reduction will be determined case-by-case and according to specific local situations.

Visitors and designated support persons

Restrictions on visits are being increased and only persons who have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days will be authorized to visit. Details and applicable exceptions are available in the COVID-19 section of the Network’s website. The directives come into force on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Mandatory pre-operative screening

Mandatory pre-operative screening measures will be adjusted, especially for unvaccinated patients.

Infection prevention measures

Control at the entrance to facilities and the application of all preventive measures recommended by the Public Health office, such as wearing a mask, physical distancing and frequent handwashing, will be reinforced.

The Network reminds everyone that these measures are temporary and thanks the public for its understanding.