THUNDER BAY – Some policies and procedures are changing at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as it activates a pandemic plan in response to COVID-19. The novel coronavirus was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on Wednesday.
The hospital’s response will include enhancing screening measures, restricting visitors and entrances, and establishing a COVID-19 assessment centre and Incident Management Team.
Hospital staff reassured the public that the risk of Ontarians contracting COVID-19 remains low, but stressed the importance of preventative measures.
“This is proactive,” said Dr. Stewart Kennedy. “We may get criticized for overreacting, but in an event like this, you can never overreact. You have to do things responsibly for the staff and the patients.”
Kennedy is heading the Incident Management Team, which will coordinate planning, implementation, and monitoring of COVID-19 activity.
Effective immediately, visitors will not be permitted at the hospital, including the Transitional Care Unit at Hogarth Riverview Manor. However, one “care partner,” designated by the patient, is welcome.
As of 8 p.m. Friday, enhanced screening will be implemented at hospital entrances. That will involve answering questions related to symptoms and recent travel history. Those with appointments at the hospital are urged to show up early to account for delays due to screening procedures.
A COVID-19 Assessment Centre, consisting of a number of trailers located on-site outside the Emergency Department, is expected to be operational by early next week. The centre is intended to reduce the risk of infection spread and ease pressure on the Emergency Department. It will be staffed by nurses who will perform temperature checks and other assessments.
Kennedy urged those who are concerned they may have symptoms to call the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 807-625-5900 or Telehealth at 1-888-294-6630. He directed those looking for more information to the TBDHU or Ontario COVID-19 webpages.
Hospital leadership expressed confidence that they have the tools and resources needed to respond as the situation stands in Thunder Bay. Chief of Staff Dr. Zaki Ahmed said the hospital has around 900 test kits as well as access to additional ventilators, should they become needed.
For now, Kennedy said, the hospital is “open for business” and has not restricted service. Actions like cancelling surgeries and outpatient visits could become necessary if the situation escalates, such as identifying confirmed positive cases in Thunder Bay, he said.
The hospital is also restricting the number of entrances to four during daytime hours: the West main entrance, East cafeteria (staff, specified learners, and contractors only), Emergency Department (ED staff, patients, and care partners only), Labour and Delivery (staff, L&D patients and care partners only). Overnight between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., only two entrances will be available: the Emergency Department and Labour and Deliver (staff, L&D patients and care partners only).
