COVID-19 Bulletin (No. 6 • April 6, 2020)

Message from Mr Gilles Lanteigne, President and Chief Executive Officer:

According to specialists, the next few days will be decisive; we will find out whether our collective physical distancing and isolation efforts will have the expected impact in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. It is crucial to stay the course. We must continue to fully adhere to the Public Health guidelines.

Everyone’s collaboration is vitally important to ensure that we can be able to meet the demand and provide health care services to patients with COVID-19 once we reach the most acute phase of the pandemic. 

Severe symptoms – Emergency rooms:

Vitalité Health Network would like to remind the public that the emergency rooms in its hospitals remain open as usual to provide care in emergencies. “People must not hesitate to go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in a situation that requires medical help without delay,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, Vice-President of Medical Services, Training and Research. “Our facilities are getting ready for COVID-19, but our emergency rooms continue providing care for cases that are not related to the pandemic,” she added. 

Mild symptoms – Family doctor or nurse practitioner:

The Network would also like to remind people that most family doctors’ offices are open and continue to provide services to their patients who need routine follow-up, who have mild symptoms or who are not feeling well. It is possible to get a consultation by telephone or in person, in a manner that is safe and respects physical distancing guidelines. You can also contact a nurse practitioner. 

Board of Directors Public Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 1 p.m.: 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the session will be held via an online remote conferencing system and streamed online, on the Network's Facebook page.  Due to these exceptional circumstances, there will be no question period from the public after the meeting and no interpretation services will be provided.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Patient services:

Services deemed nonessential are suspended. You can check the list of cancelled services on the Network’s website.