At IWK Health because of the patients and families we serve, we continue to require enhanced measures even as the provincial COVID-19 pandemic 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.
Despite easing of provincial restrictions, visitor limitations and public health measures remain in place at all IWK Health hospitals and facilities at this time. Acute health care settings and hospitals are not the same as leisure spaces. We thank you for your continued patience as we do our best to protect patients and staff from getting sick.
Masks are still required at all IWK Health locations.
Changes in effect starting 8 am on Monday, November 21, 2022
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 limits.
Emergency Department |
1
One support person
|
Birth Unit |
2
Two support people (a doula is considered a support person)
|
Dartmouth Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic |
1
One support person
|
Early Labour and Assessment Unit |
2
Two support people
|
Family Newborn Care Unit |
1
Parent, baby + 1 support person
|
Fetal Assessment and Treatment Centre |
1
One support person
|
Midwifery Clinic |
1
One support person
|
Obstetrical Day Unit |
1
One support person
|
Obstetrical Ultrasound |
1
One support person
|
Perinatal Centre |
1
One support person
|
Postpartum Clinic |
1
Parent, baby + 1 support person
|
Prenatal Special Care Unit |
2
Two support people
|
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit |
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
|
Perinatal Follow Up Clinic |
2
Two support people
|
Pediatric Inpatients |
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
|
Pediatric Inpatients confirmed COVID positive |
2
Two support people
|
Pandemic Response Unit |
2
Two support people
|
Adult Surgery Inpatients |
2
Two support people
|
Breast Health Clinic - New Diagnosis |
1
One support person
|
Breast Health Clinic - Annual Recheck |
1
One support person
|
Early Pregnancy Complication Clinic |
1
One support person
|
Women’s/Adult OR / Pre-Admission Clinic |
1
One support person
|
Ambulatory Clinics |
2
Two support people (exception for interventions requiring more)
|
INPATIENT UNITS & DAY TREATMENT SERVICES | |
Adolescent Intensive Services |
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
|
Children’s Intensive Services |
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
|
Secure Care Unit |
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
|
Garron Centre |
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
|
Pediatric Day Surgery Appointments |
2
Two support people
|
Pediatric Outpatient (Ambulatory) Appointments |
2
Two support people
|
(for pregnant, in labour, delivering, postpartum or Dartmouth Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic see Pregnant, in Labour, Delivering or Postpartum category above) | |
Women’s Ambulatory Clinics |
1
One support person
|
Perioperative Clinic |
1
One support person
|
Breast Imaging (IWK 6th floor) |
1
One support person
|
Breast Biopsy (IWK 6th floor) |
1
One support person
|
Breast Screening (Halifax Shopping Center, Dartmouth and Cobequid) |
1
One support person
|
Pediatrics |
2
Two support people
|
Pediatric MRI undergoing anesthesia |
2
Two support people
|
Adult Ultrasound |
1
One support person
|
Obstetric Ultrasound |
1
One support person
|
All other adult procedures (includes MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Bone Density) |
1
One support person
|
Pediatric Patients |
2
Two support people
|
Adult Patients |
1
One support person
|
Pediatric Patients |
2
Two support people
|
Adult Patients |
1
One support person
|
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 when we can.
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 accompany them who is asymptomatic.
The following must be adhered to during their stay:
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.
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:
The Mental Health & Addictions program is still open and here for you during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Book a COVID-19 Test
Book online or call 811
Book a COVID-19 Vaccine
Book online or call 1-833-797-7772
Government of Nova Scotia
Up-to-date guidance and information on COVID-19