Campbellford Memorial Hospital has implemented visitor restrictions at the hospital after the local health unit today declared a COVID-19 outbreak.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit declared the outbreak after six patients in the medical surgical unit on the second floor tested positive for COVID-19. No staff cases have been identified in the hospital. Of the six individuals with COVID-19, three of the patients were fully vaccinated, and three were not fully vaccinated.
As a result of the outbreak declaration, the medical/surgical unit has been closed to all visitors with the exception of those visiting patients in hospital for end of life care. The outpatient Endoscopy Suite on the second floor has also been closed. The Emergency Department, located on the first floor of the hospital, does remain open. Visiting rules in the ED have not changed and minor children and elderly adults who need supportive care can continue to be accompanied by one person.
Alysia English, Director of Patient Care at Campbellford Memorial Hospital, says hospital staff are working closely with the Health Unit to ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices have been put in place at the hospital to prevent further spread of the virus.
“While we continue to have appropriate COVID-prevention measures in place at the hospital, we are now implementing additional processes and heightened infection control practices to ensure we stop any further spread and ensure the safety of our patients and staff,” English said.
The staff of CMH are continuing to work with the HKPR District Health Unit to monitor the outbreak and support case and contact tracing. Additional testing of close contacts is also being conducted at the facility. As well, the hospital will continue to implement enhanced environmental deep cleaning of the buildings.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of infection prevention and control procedures and the best practices the Hospital needs to maintain with all interactions with patients. It’s why handwashing, physical distancing and the proper use of personal protective equipment are so essential,” says Marilyn Petherick, Infection Control/OR Nurse at CMH, adding: “within the Hospital and in our community, we must all continue to be vigilant in following the public health measures of maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask, consistent hand washing and getting vaccinated.”
Update on Services:
Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) continues to provide essential services and its staff, physicians and community partners are working very hard to promote and protect the health and well-being of our community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. For local updates, visit the HKPR District Health Unit web site at https://www.hkpr.on.ca/
People in need of emergency medical care continue to be encouraged to seek out medical support at the hospital’s Emergency Department.
“Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department is continuing to serve patients with any emergent or urgent conditions while ensuring proper infection control practices to enhance the safety of patients and their care providers. If you are seriously unwell and need immediate, urgent medical care, waiting too long may cause your problem to become much more serious and difficult to treat and may result in more permanent injury or disability,” stated Dr. Bruce Bain, Chief of Staff at CMH.
While Hospital staff is making every effort to ensure the impact to non-emergency services is as minimal as possible, patients with scheduled appointments at the hospital that may be impacted by this outbreak will be contacted directly by hospital staff.
The community is also encouraged to reach out to their primary care provider or telemedicine clinics for non emergency care and CMH reminds everyone to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19 by continuing to follow public health guidelines such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask when in an indoor public space, maintain physical distancing and getting vaccinated.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
