Northern Health is making changes at their long-term care homes to protect seniors receiving care.
The health agency issued a statement on Monday, March 23 stating they want to reduce visits to long-term care homes and only essential visits are recommended.
READ MORE: COVID-19: Northern Health limiting visitors at facilities until further notice
Due to the virus pandemic, The Ministry of Health has advised health authorities to do the following:
- Temporarily suspend interfacility 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 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. Residents and family questions or concerns should be addressed to the appropriate facility manager,” the statement read.
The health agency said that 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.’
The Stuart Nechako Manor in Vanderhoof is a long-term care facility run by Northern Health.
For latest COVID-19 information visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website at https://covid-19.bccdc.ca/.
Aman Parhar
Editor, Vanderhoof Omineca Express
aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.com
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