Health Sciences North (HSN) released a statement Sunday, introducing several new policies to reduce spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
There are currently no patients admitted at HSN, that have tested positive for the virus.
Residents who meet the criteria outlined on the HSN website are asked to seek care at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre established at 56 Walford Rd., rather than presenting themselves at HSN's Emergency Department. Anyone looking to visit the centre is asked to call 705-671-7373 in advance of attendance, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Patient consultations are being held by teleconference or videoconference where possible.
Elective surgeries and procedures within the surgical program scheduled for the weeks of March 15th and March 22nd have been cancelled. Patients are being contacted by HSN directly.
All patient and family common rooms will be closed until further notice.
In addition, the following visitor restrictions have been implemented effective immediately:
- Inpatient Areas: Only one family member/caregiver age 18 or more during regular visiting hours
- (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.). A single visitor under 18 may be permitted under special circumstances
- Ambulatory Areas: Only one family member/caregiver age 18 or more if absolutely necessary.
- Visitors encouraged to keep their visit short
- Patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms asked to not bring any visitor
- No visitors in high-risk areas (e.g. Isolation rooms, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Kirkwood site)
Exceptions will be made in situations involving trauma, end of life.
