New Brunswick’s two health authorities have announced new guidelines for designated support persons (DSPs) visiting their facilities across the province.
The Horizon and Vitalité health networks said DSPs must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 19 to visit eligible inpatients and to accompany patients to outpatient appointments and in the emergency department.
“This measure is being taken to protect the safety of Horizon’s vulnerable patients and clients and its staff and physicians amid the increasing number of COVD-19 cases and hospitalizations, including ICU admissions,” Horizon said in a news release Monday.
Until then, if an unvaccinated support person is the only option for patients, they must follow specific guidelines and be tested for COVID-19.
There is no word yet if unvaccinated DSPs will be allowed to visit Horizon and Vitalité facilities after the Nov. 19 deadline.
“Exceptions and the management of these exceptions following November 19 are currently being discussed in collaboration with Vitalité Health Network,” Kris McDavid, senior communications advisor with Horizon Health, said in an email to our newsroom.
DSPs are eligible to visit patients in several departments, including palliative care, obstetrics, neonatal, intensive care, and pediatrics.
Patients with intellectual/communication impairments or who have been in the hospital for 14 days or longer are also eligible for a DSP.
No other visitors are currently allowed in Horizon or Vitalité facilities, which are currently operating under the “red alert” level.
DSPs for eligible patients must be fully vaccinated against #COVID19 by Nov. 19. Until then unvaccinated DSPs must participate in COVID-19 testing. For more information and to book a vaccine visit: https://t.co/L14QTMvYYD pic.twitter.com/g6gLwu6Ncs
— Horizon Health Network (@HorizonHealthNB) October 18, 2021
