Northern Health is making changes at its long-term care facilities to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to address anticipated pressures on the acute care system.
Northern Health is following Ministry of Health recommendations to:
- Temporarily suspend inter-facility transfers, except in circumstances of intolerable risk, until further notice and ensure clients’ place on the wait list for transfer is maintained during the suspension of transfers;
- Prioritize admissions to long-term care from acute care over those from community where possible;
- Temporarily suspend all health authority operated/funded Home and Community Care (HCC) adult day programs and;
- Temporarily suspend the provision of in-facility respite, except in circumstances of intolerable risk.
Northern Health is implementing these measures at long-term care facilities across the region, and for NH-funded adult day programs. Resident and family questions or concerns should be addressed to the appropriate facility manager.
Most people who become infected with COVID-19 will experience a mild illness that will not require medical care, but seniors are at a higher risk of serious illness.
Northern Health also wants to reduce visits to long-term care homes and only essential visits are recommended. This includes visits for compassionate care (end of life and critical illness) and visits considered essential to resident care and well-being.
For the latest COVID-19 information visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website: http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/