In response to record-high COVID-19 case counts and challenges to health human resources (HHR), Ontario Health has directed all hospitals to focus on urgent and emergent procedures only. As a result, Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be temporarily adjusting hospital services and limiting non-urgent procedures. These changes go into effect today, January 5th, and will last until at least January 26th. We are aware that this change could negatively impact wait times, and will work with Ontario Health in the near future to address these implications.
Services Affected:
- The Endoscopy suite will be closed except for urgent procedures that cannot be rescheduled
- Ambulatory Care out patient clinics such as orthopedics, dermatology, sleep lab, etc… will be rescheduled to a later date
- The Diabetes and GAIN’s Clinics will move to virtual consultations only
- Mental Health Clinic will operate virtually whenever possible
Patients whose appointments will be impacted by these changes will be contacted directly by hospital staff.
CMH has also recently instituted further visitor restrictions in response to the Omicron variant. Patients will need to identify one essential caregiver who may visit them during visitor hours, 10AM-8PM. An essential caregiver is a very close friend or family member who provides support and care for the patient while in hospital and will continue to do so after discharge. Essential caregivers can visit once per day and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination (2 doses) with a Health Canada approved vaccine.
While in the hospital, visitors must make every reasonable effort to maintain physical distancing space (2 metres) and complete hand hygiene frequently. Visitors must remain with the patient they are in the hospital to support, refrain from moving about within the hospital and wear a mask at all times. Both the hospital’s cafeteria and gift shop remain closed to visitors.
Services in the Emergency Department remain unaffected by these changes and community members in need of emergency care should not hesitate to seek assistance. Visitors are not permitted in the ER unless they fall under one of the two exceptions listed below:
- Minor children can be accompanied by one parent/guardian
- Elderly adults who need supportive care can be accompanied by an essential caregiver
For the most recent updates on hospital policies and procedures as it relates to COVID-19, please visit:
CMH appreciates the support and compliance of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
