PUBLIC NOTICE - NTHSSA Service Changes - Updates on Visitation, Medical Travel and Service Levels

(June 19, 2020) - NTHSSA is pleased to announce updates to previous service reductions and restrictions that were introduced during the beginning period of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While this notice represents the latest information on service levels as of the date published please note that service levels and restrictions could change quickly should the status of active COVID-19 cases change in the Northwest Territories. 

Travel Clinics

Travelling clinics for Specialist care, Rehab care, and Eye care will be resuming to the following regional hubs:

  • Inuvik,
  • Yellowknife,
  • Behchoko,
  • Fort Simpson,
  • Fort Smith,
  • Hay River, and
  • Norman Wells.

Visitation

To ensure that we are supporting patients to connect with family and loved ones, while also protecting our staff and patients, visitation restrictions to health care sites are being constantly re-evaluated as COVID considerations continue to develop.

Visitation to Acute care sites, including Obstetrics and Paediatrics, is now limited to two visitors per stay. Visitors must be identified beforehand by the patient and pass site screening protocols. This means if you are staying in an acute care unit for multiple days, you can indicate two important people or loved ones who will be able to visit you when needed, as long as they pass the regular screening process. For each stay only two visitors will be permitted and they must be the same two people throughout your stay.

For Outpatient care, one support person per visit is allowed, with an exception for Paediatric patients who are allowed two support persons. For example, if you are requiring an ultrasound for your pregnancy, you will now be able to bring a partner or support person for that visit to our outpatient lab and diagnostic imaging clinic; a youth who is undergoing care will be able to have two parents/guardians present as support. 

Visitation to Long Term care remains suspended, however we continue to review this restriction and expect to make further announcements in the coming weeks regarding long term care processes that will enable more social options for residents. 

Visitors to Palliative care, including those in Long Term care settings, are limited to two people at any one time. Visitors who have traveled and need to visit loved ones in Palliative care will need an exemption from Self-Isolation from the CPHO, and will need to follow an infection control plan for the visit.

Please ask to speak with the manager for your care area for directions on getting a visitor exemption.

Ongoing Service Levels

In support of providing regular updates to our service levels throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response the NTHSSA has published two sets of dashboards. These dashboards provide updates on service levels in community health centres/public health units, and specialist service clinics. 

The Community Health Centre/Public Health Unit services dashboard can be viewed here.

The Specialist services dashboard can be viewed here.


For more information please contact:

David Maguire
David_Maguire@gov.nt.ca 
Manager, Communications | Gestionnaire des communications
Corporate and Support Services | Services d’administration et de soutien
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority | Administration des services de santé et des services sociaux des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Phone | Tél: 867-767-9107, ext. 40150

www.nthssa.ca 

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