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.
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.
Latest changes in effect May 15, 2023
Emergency Department |
2
Two support people
|
Birth Unit |
2
Two support people (a doula is considered a support person)
|
Dartmouth Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic |
2
Two support people
|
Early Labour and Assessment Unit |
2
Two support people
|
Family Newborn Care Unit |
2
Parent, baby + 2 support people
|
Fetal Assessment and Treatment Centre |
2
Two support people (children under 12 not permitted due to safety concerns)
|
Midwifery Clinic |
2
Two support people
|
Obstetrical Day Unit |
2
Two support people
|
Obstetrical Ultrasound |
2
Two support people (children under 12 not permitted due to safety concerns)
|
Perinatal Centre |
2
Two support people
|
Postpartum Clinic |
2
Parent, baby + 2 support people
|
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 |
2
Two support people
|
Breast Health Clinic - Annual Recheck |
2
Two support people
|
Early Pregnancy Complication Clinic |
2
Two support people
|
Women’s/Adult OR / Pre-Admission Clinic |
2
Two support people
|
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 |
3
Three support people
|
Pediatric Outpatient (Ambulatory) Appointments |
3
Three 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 |
2
Two support people
|
Perioperative Clinic |
2
Two support people
|
Breast Imaging (IWK 6th floor) |
2
Two support people
|
Breast Biopsy (IWK 6th floor) |
2
Two support people
|
Breast Screening (Halifax Shopping Center, Dartmouth and Cobequid) |
2
Two support people
|
Pediatrics |
3
Three support people
|
Pediatric MRI undergoing anesthesia |
3
Three support people
|
Adult Ultrasound |
2
Two support people
|
Obstetric Ultrasound |
2
Two support people (children under 12 not permitted due to safety concerns)
|
All other adult procedures (includes MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Bone Density) |
2
Two support people
|
Pediatric Patients |
3
Three support people
|
Adult Patients |
2
Two support people
|
Pediatric Patients |
3
Three support people
|
Adult Patients |
2
Two support people
|
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 two support persons accompany them who are 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