A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH)’s Restorative Care Unit (1B) after three patients have tested positive with several more awaiting results; a number of staff have also been impacted.
Visiting continues as usual outside the Restorative Care Unit unless patients are in isolation for a COVID-19 infection or exposure. Limited exceptions are made for COVID-19 positive patients on discussion with Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) staff and the care team including, for example, those at imminent end-of-life.
The following is a summary of the infection prevention and control measures in place at NHH to minimize risk and conclude the outbreak as soon as possible:
Visiting restrictions and new admissions – Regular visiting is temporarily paused to the Restorative Care Unit. New admissions to the unit will be assessed on a day-by-day basis.
Update to dining room service – Dining room service has been replaced with in room service on both the Restorative Care and Inpatient Rehabilitation units as a precaution.
Daily self-screening by staff for COVID-19 symptoms – All individuals entering the hospital for work must pre-screen for symptoms and refrain from entering the building or Community Mental Health offices in the event symptoms develop pending discussion with IPAC.
Mandatory use of appropriate PPE in affected area – All staff, physicians, midwives, and essential caregivers/visitors are expected to pay strict attention to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements throughout the hospital, including increased requirements within the Restorative Care
Unit for the duration of the outbreak.
Monitoring of patients and staff considered “high risk contacts” – Any patients who have been identified as having a high risk of exposure have been relocated, tested, and are being cared for with appropriate precautions; similarly, staff at risk of an exposure will also be asked to monitor and supported with testing as required.
Mandatory vaccination of staff – All staff and physicians are required to be up to date with their vaccines; booster vaccines continue to be available to further reduce the risk of infection and spread.
Strict adherence to thorough hand hygiene practices – Strict adherence to thorough hand hygiene will continue to be reinforced.
Enhanced environmental cleaning – Enhanced cleaning, with a focus on high touch surfaces and common spaces has been implemented.
Proactive communication – Public notices are continually updated across NHH’s communication channels, including doorways within/leading to the hospital, to promote awareness of the presence of COVID-19 and the importance of vigilance with PPE.
Masking remains a shared responsibility to mitigate spread
While masking is currently required within the affected unit, it remains optional elsewhere in the hospital unless noted. With COVID cases on the rise in the broader community, residents are reminded to monitor for any symptoms prior to visiting and refrain from visiting where symptoms are present.
Masks continue to be readily available at all hospital entrances.
Visiting reminders
Visitors who have recently developed COVID-19 are not permitted to visit patients for 10 full days from the date of symptom onset or from testing positive (whichever date is earliest).
For details on NHH’s Visiting Guidelines and expectations, including answers to other Frequently Asked
Questions, please see our website. Updates on NHH’s COVID-19 outbreak status will continue to be communicated through the hospital’s website and related social media channels
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
