COVID-19: CISSS handles protocols on case-by-case basis

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) is adjusting its COVID-19 interventions according to the situation at each of its facilities. 

This is what the regional health network is reporting as cases persist at the Maria hospital and the CHSLD Mgr Ross in Gaspé, at a time when some people are calling for the widespread introduction of masks in health facilities. 

“The reintroduction of masks is being carried out in relation to the epidemiological situation in a territory. We are making this decision to protect the population, clients and residents. We base this decision on indicators related to community circulation,” explains the CISSS’s director of nursing, Maxime Bernatchez. 

Among other indicators are hospitalizations and the increase in cases in residences. 

“If we do it in a given environment and we don’t do it in another, it’s because we are a large institution and in the Gaspé territory currently, there are areas where there are no outbreaks and community circulation is lower,” notes Mr. Bernatchez. 

This is particularly the case in the Rocher-Percé MRC where the virus is not prevalent. 

The surgery department at Maria hospital and the CHSLD Mgr Ross have outbreaks, as well as in some seniors’ residences. 

As of September 25, there were six infections in Maria, and three units were affected at Mgr Ross. 

“At Mgr Ross, we are talking about a large majority of residents affected in Unit 300 and the prosthetic unit,” emphasizes the director. 

An outbreak in a seniors’ residence is managed differently than in a hospital centre. 

“We are in a living environment. We avoid isolating residents in their rooms. It is our health care workers who wear personal protective equipment,” explains Mr. Bernatchez. 

The infection prevention and control team provides recommendations based on the epidemiological situation in each facility. 

The Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands region experienced a spike in COVID-19 related hospitalizations during the week of September 15. 

According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ), twenty-one people were hospitalized on September 21, a peak not seen since February. 

On September 24, 16 patients remained hospitalized due to the virus. 

INSPQ reports 14 new hospitalizations during the week of September 15, with no deaths recorded. 

COVID-19: CISSS handles protocols on case-by-case basis Read More »