A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on the Restorative Care and Palliative Care units at Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Hospital officials say the outbreak was declared on Unit 1B after three patients and three staff members tested positive. As a result, mandatory masking and enhanced infection prevention and control measures are now in place for everyone entering the affected areas.
The hospital says all staff, physicians, midwives, essential care partners and visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks, throughout Unit 1B, which includes Palliative Care. Enhanced environmental cleaning has been implemented, with a focus on high-touch surfaces and common areas.
As a precaution, dining room service has been replaced with in-room dining on both the Restorative Care Unit and the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. Group activities for patients on both units have also been suspended to support physical distancing.
Northumberland Hills Hospital says staff are required to complete daily self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms and must stay home if symptoms develop, pending direction from Infection Prevention and Control staff. Patients and staff identified as high-risk contacts are being monitored and supported with testing and additional precautions as required.
Hospital officials note that mandatory vaccination policies remain in place for staff, physicians, midwives and volunteers, with booster doses encouraged to reduce the risk of spread. Hand hygiene practices are also being strictly reinforced hospital-wide.
Regular visiting will continue, with ongoing assessment by the Infection Prevention and Control team. New admissions to the affected units will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and updates will be shared through the hospital’s website and social media channels.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
