COVID-19: Vitalité Health Network adjusts to return to yellow phase in Zone 1 (Moncton region)

Bathurst, Friday, October 23, 2020 – With the return of Zone 1 (Moncton region) to the yellow phase under the NB Recovery Plan, Vitalité Health Network can ease restrictions on visitors and gradually increase ambulatory care services and non-urgent (elective) surgeries at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital Centre and Stella Maris de Kent Hospital.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, we have been following the directives of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province to keep patients and staff safe. The return of Moncton and surrounding area to the yellow phase allows us to now adopt somewhat less restrictive rules for visitors and to gradually re-establish service delivery,” stated Gilles Lanteigne, CEO of the Network. “It is, however, essential to continue following all COVID-19 preventive measures, namely physical distancing, wearing a mask and frequent handwashing,” he added.

Here are the main measures affecting patient visits effective October 23, 2020 (for facilities in zones in the yellow phase).

  • Visits are allowed between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. every day.
  • Patients can have one visitor at a time. If a visitor needs a support person, two visitors are allowed at the same time. A visitor who requires assistance must notify the nursing unit.
  • Visitors must be at least 12 years of age.
  • Pets are not allowed.

*** Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 as well as suspected COVID-19 cases in isolation are not allowed to have visitors. ***

Specific exemptions and restrictions

  • Palliative Care units: Palliative Care patients are allowed to have two visitors at a time. Visiting hours may be adjusted for these patients. One additional visitor (pastoral/spiritual care) per end-of-life patient may enter the facility to bring comfort to the patient, family and loved ones during the end-of-life period.
  • Intensive Care units: Intensive Care patients are allowed to have one visitor at a time and this person must necessarily be a close family member. The duration of visits will be determined by the unit’s staff based on the patient’s condition and the activity level on the unit.
  • Mother-Child Services: Visiting hours may be adjusted for these patients.
  • Long-term care units: Visits are allowed by appointment only; the goal is to limit the number of visitors on the unit.

The Network invites the public to visit its website for the full list of new directives.