Vitalit Health Network better prepared for second wave, says CEO

The Vitalit Health Network is more prepared for COVID-19 than it was six months ago, according to network president and CEO Gilles Lanteigne.

"I would say that it's much more refined in the way that we were able to establish all proper linkages with our partners and work in a more integrated way with Horizon and the ministry," said Gilles Lanteigne.

The Vitalit Health Network had its board of directors meeting Tuesday afternoon, where board membersheard a presentation onhow the network has been able to handle the pandemic.

A survey and series of interviews withVitalit staff found the the network handled the first wave well, said presenterGisele Beaulieu.

People surveyed also said internal communication could improve asVitalit looks ahead at a second wave. There was also a desire for more mental health services.

Second wave

Case numbersremain low in New Brunswick.Chief medical officer of health Jennifer Russell confirmed two new cases in the province on Tuesday. Both are in a special care home in Moncton.

But numbers across the country are rising.

On Tuesday, Quebec reported1,364 new cases of COVID-19, which is the highest single-day total reported in the province. Ontario reported 548 new cases Tuesday and Manitoba announced 56 new cases.

But Lanteigne is confident hospitals would be able to better handle a second wave.

"The difference I would say this time is that we are prepared but at the same time we are able to increase the level of activities in the hospital," said Lanteigne after the meeting.

Lanteigne saidif there is a second wave, hospitals will be able to respond more quickly.

"We know that if we have to do a reset we can do it probably more easily than the first time," he said.