Thursday, February 24, 2022
While COVID-19 hospitalizations trend in the right direction in Ontario, COVID-19 remains a challenge for our hospital and our people. It’s not business as usual at Health Sciences North (HSN).
COVID-19 is still prevalent in our community. Northern Ontario has significantly more active cases of COVID-19 per capita than the rest of the province. Waste water monitoring shows increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the North compared to other regions of the province.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts reported 5,361 new COVID-19 cases since January 1st, despite the new provincial restrictions on PCR testing.
HSN admitted 361 COVID-19 patients since January 1st.
This week, we have had up to 54 COVID-19 patients admitted to our hospital – nearly double the peak admissions we had in the previous two years.
We continue to have over 90 employees or medical staff who are currently isolating at home either because they tested positive for COVID-19 or had a high risk exposure.
We still have more than 100 staff redeployed mostly from 35 outpatient programs which have reduced their services.
You can expect to still be required to wear a mask when you come to HSN and be screened for COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. Proof of vaccination for visitors and Designated Care Partners will remain in effect to help keep everyone safe.
You can also expect to wait longer in the Emergency Department as well as for tests, procedures and appointments.
We know it’s not ideal. But there are a few things you can do to help us.
Please be kind and patient with our employees and physicians. It’s been a long pandemic. They have been going flat out for more than two years. Your compassion goes a long way. Threats of physical violence and verbal abuse will not be tolerated. If necessary police will be called.
Please get vaccinated against COVID-19 and get your boosters if you’re eligible. Please do all you can to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, which will also help to reduce the number of COVID-19 patients in our hospital.
COVID-19 is not over at HSN.