Patient + Visitor Restrictions

Your safety is our biggest priority

At IWK Health because of the patients and families we serve, we continue to require enhanced measures even as the provincial restrictions are eased. These ongoing measures remain in place to ensure safety for all as we continue to navigate reopening. They include pre-screening before your appointment or admission, door screening on arrival, masking when you come on site, testing when you’re admitted, and limits on the number of support persons who can come with you. 

If you have questions before your arrival about your appointment or admission, you may contact your health care team directly, or you can call the IWK COVID hotline at 1-902-233-3495.

Latest support person restrictions

Changes in effect starting 8 am on Thursday, January 6, 2022

Due to the high transmissibility of the Omicron COVID-19 variant and the considerable rise in COVID cases provincially, particularly in Central Zone, IWK Health is implementing immediate changes regarding support persons to decrease the number of people overall in IWK Health facilities. 

There are differences in the physical layout where care is being provided. These differences impact our ability to practice appropriate physical distancing therefore we have taken a location-by-location approach to support person restrictions.

Proof of vaccination requirements for support people now in effect.

We understand the complexity involved in implementing these changes and that some areas may have difficulty accommodating additional support people due to the need to maintain physical distancing requirements. In these cases, care teams will work with families to discuss options based on care needs. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make additional changes as required.

Obstetrical Patients

Pregnant COVID-positive patients admitted to the Early Labour and Assessment Unit/Birth Unit/Family Newborn Care Unit at IWK Health will be able to have one support person who is: Fully vaccinated; Not currently known as COVID positive; and must be Asymptomatic.

The following must be adhered to during their stay:

• Support person MUST wear a medical mask at all times.
• If a support person becomes symptomatic or becomes known to be COVID positive, they MUST leave the Health Centre for the safety of patients, families, staff, and physicians. An alternate fully vaccinated, not known as COVID positive, asymptomatic person may accompany the patient.
• Support person MUST remain in the patient’s room at all times NOR can they leave the Health Centre and return. Food will be provided while on isolation.
• Should the patient be required to go to the Operating Room for delivery, the support person will NOT be permitted to accompany.
• Should the support person not adhere to the guidelines for safety, they will not be permitted to stay.

Patients and support persons who have recently been positive for COVID-19

NS Public Health recently changed the duration of isolation required if a fully vaccinated individual tests positive for COVID-19. However, in the healthcare setting, where vulnerable patients are present, this duration has not changed even for individuals who are fully vaccinated.

At IWK Health, patients and support persons will be considered COVID recovered only at least 10 full days after the date symptoms started or after the date of a positive test.

Patients and caregivers are asked to please let care teams know if they have recently tested positive and are still within the 10-day timeframe. If a support person is still within the 10-day time period, we ask that you please choose an alternate support person who is not currently positive for COVID-19.

While in a community setting, Nova Scotia Public Health guidance regarding COVID-19 isolation applies.

International Travel

Persons who have returned from international travel within the preceding 14 days will not be permitted as support persons in the health centre. In rare circumstances exceptions may apply. Exceptions are evaluated by the medical team. Patients will not be refused care even if they have travelled internationally.

Important reminders for all patients and support people:

• A masking policy and other safety measures are in place.
• The no visitor policy and support person restrictions are still in effect.
• Screening of patients and support people at entrances into the building continues. To streamline patient flow we are asking that patients enter through designated entry points. Signage is in place. The assessment centre is not for building entry screening.
  
• Patients are asked to report directly to their clinic or care area and not wander through the building or linger.
• Children under the age of 12 are not considered a support person and should not be coming onsite unless they are patients themselves. Please make childcare arrangements for siblings and children not receiving care. Infants (12 months and younger) who are breastfeeding will be supported to come to the health centre during outpatient appointments and are allowed to remain with their mothers in the event of overnight admission.
• We understand that screening can lead to delays but it is critically important and we ask for patience. At the current time the average screening time is 10 minutes. However, this can be variable and has the potential to increase with a continuing resumption of service. Allow 15-20 minutes for door screening but please do not arrive too early as physical distancing must be maintained in waiting areas.
• A maximum of two people, or one family/support person unit, will be permitted on elevators. For inpatients who are permitted to have two support people present, all three persons of the same “bubble” are permitted in the same elevator.
• The Emergency Department remains open and this entrance should only be used for patients visiting Emergency.

The IWK encourages the public to continue to do the things that keep themselves and their families healthy and well. This includes seeking support for time-sensitive care and for any concerning symptoms or issues that may arise.

Please continue to have your child vaccinated according to schedule.

Please continue to attend well-child visits or contact your primary care provider or pediatrician if there are concerns about things like development, feeding or growth.

If your child has acute or chronic health issues and there are new or worsening symptoms or issues, there are a number of options: 

• Please contact your primary care provider, pediatrician or specialist providing care for your child to arrange virtual or if needed, onsite care.
• The IWK Emergency Department is open 24/7 should you need to bring your child in for emergency care. Extra precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Patients are screened upon arrival and may be asked to wear a mask. Patients with possible infections are separated from those coming to the Emergency Department for other reasons. Strict infection prevention and control measures are in place to keep patients and families safe.
   

The Mental Health & Addicitions program is still open and here for you during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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