COVID-19 outbreak declared on 1B (Restorative Care and Palliative Care) units – Mandatory masking required by all entering these areas
A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on Northumberland Hills Hospital’s Restorative Care Unit (1B) after three patients and three staff have tested positive.
The following is a summary of the infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place at NHH to minimize risk and conclude the outbreak as soon as possible:
- Mandatory use of appropriate PPE, including masks, by all entering the affected area – All staff, physicians, midwives, Essential Care Partners and visitors are required to comply with increased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements now in place on 1B Restorative Care and Palliative Care, effective December 17; masking is required by all throughout 1B, inclusive of Palliative.
- Enhanced environmental cleaning – Enhanced cleaning, with a focus on high touch surfaces and common spaces has been implemented by the NHH Environmental Services team.
- Update to dining room service – Dining room service has been replaced with in-room service on both 1B (Restorative Care) and 1A (Inpatient Rehabilitation) as a precaution.
- Group activities for patients have been suspended – As a precaution and to support social distancing group activities will be paused on both 1B and 1A.
- 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 NHH Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) staff.
- Monitoring of patients and staff considered “high risk contacts” – Any patients who have been identified as having a high risk of exposure have been tested, relocated and are being cared for with appropriate precautions; similarly, staff at risk of an exposure will also be asked to monitor and will be supported with testing as required.
- Mandatory vaccination – All staff, physicians, midwives and volunteers 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 adhered to thorough hand hygiene practices required – Hand hygiene continues to be a primary method for reducing the risk of transmission; strict adherence to thorough and frequent hand hygiene will continue to be reinforced hospital wide.
- Proactive communication – Public notices have been posted on the entry to the affected unit (1B) and will be 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 avoiding entry if symptomatic and vigilance with PPE.
Visiting Reminders
Regular visiting will continue with regular assessment by the NHH IPAC team. New admissions to 1B (Restorative Care and Palliative Care) units will be assessed on a patient-by-patient basis. Updates will be shared as required through the hospital’s website and related social media channels.