Vitalité Health Network updates visiting policies in its facilities
Bathurst, Thursday, July 9, 2020 – Vitalité Health Network informs the public that it has updated its patient visiting policies throughout its hospital facilities. It has relaxed the visiting policies that had been in effect since June 24, 2020, to allow patients to continue to receive visitors while ensuring everyone’s safety.
“We follow the guidelines from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province, but we also take into account suggestions from our various partners when establishing our policies. Given the evolving nature of the current situation, we must adjust how we do things. The current state of the pandemic provincially allows us now to somewhat modify our approach in managing patient visitation and to adopt less restrictive rules,” stated Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of the Network. “However, we must remain vigilant for a second wave that could emerge at any time. This is why visitors must continue to respect all preventive measures against COVID-19, namely physical distancing, wearing a mask and frequent handwashing,” he added.
Main measures pertaining to patient visits as of July 9, 2020:
- Visits are allowed between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. every day.
- Patients can only 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 and 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 modified 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 it must necessarily be a close family member. The duration of the visit will be determined by the unit staff based on the patient’s condition and on the activity level on the unit.
- Mother/Child Services: Visiting hours may be modified 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 check out its website to get the full list of new directives.
