Stay up to date with the latest news
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events from the NSHN (Blind River, Thessalon and Richards Landing - Matthews Memorial Sites)
COVID-19 Update
A statement from David Murray, Interim President & CEO, and Dr. Lenka Snajdrova, Chief of Staff:
A patient being treated at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) for COVID-19 has passed away. On behalf of our entire organization, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.
The workers and providers of NSHN continue to offer our communities compassionate and quality health care throughout these extraordinary times. We are committed to working with our health care partners, including Algoma Public Health, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the safety of our workers, patients, residents, clients and communities. NSHN encourages everyone to remain vigilant in following public health guidelines such as hand hygiene, masking, and physical distancing.
For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website: http://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/novel-coronavirus/ or the Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
If you have any concerns that you may be at risk for COVID-19, please contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon) or visit: www.nshn.care/covid19.
NSHN Acute Care / Emergency Department Visiting Requirements Updated
Blind River, ON – Visitor restrictions remain in effect as part of the North Shore Health Network’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Visitors are not permitted with the exception of Essential Caregivers or paid support workers.
In addition, new requirements for essential visitors in Acute Care / Emergency Departments at all NSHN sites will come into effect as of Monday January 18, 2021 including:
· In Orange, Red, or Grey zones, all visits must be booked.
o The care team at the appropriate Nursing Station will work with essential visitors to schedule visits.
o Exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons.
· Visits will be time limited to 2 hours in Orange, and 1 hour in Red and Grey zones.
· Essential visitors require a negative swab within the previous 7 days to visit when in Orange, Red and Grey zones.
o Proof of a negative swab is required at time of screening. (Results may be presented electronically via smart phone or by hard copy. Please ensure the date of swab is visible.)
NSHN remains in the GREY-LOCKDOWN zone at this time.
Any visitor who fails the symptom screening questions will not be permitted to visit until they are symptom free for 48 hours and receive a negative COVID-19 test result. Patients who are tested for COVID-19 will not be permitted visitors until a negative test result is back unless the patient is requiring end-of-life care. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable; where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon) or visit: www.nshn.care/covid19.
The North Shore Health Network thanks you for treating our workers with respect. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to visiting or services.
Figure 1.1. NSHN COVID-19 Visiting Framework outlines all visiting protocols and requirements at all levels in accordance with the local public health unit status.
*For more information on NSHN visiting policies, please visit: https://www.nshn.care/visiting-policies
NSHN ACU/ED Visiting Framework
NSHN Outpatient Services Access During COVID-19
NSHN remains in the GREY-LOCKDOWN zone at this time. The NSHN Outpatient Service Access During COVID-19 is outlined below:
NSHN Outpatient Services as of January 14, 2021
VISITING RESTRICTIONS AND CHANGES TO OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network continues to protect the health and safety of patients, residents, clients and workers against COVID-19. In response to the upcoming province-wide lockdown, effective Wednesday December 23, 2020:
· No general visitors are permitted in Emergency Departments (All Sites) or Acute Care (Blind River), with exceptions* only for Essential Visitors (caregivers or patients requiring end-of-life care).
o 1 Designated Essential Visitor, and 1 Alternate Designated Essential Visitor assigned in conjunction with the patient and family.
o The care team will establish an appropriate visiting schedule. NSHN will have discretion to restrict the length of visits and/or the numbers of visitors.
o All essential visitors are subject to screening protocols.
IN ADDITION –If you have traveled outside of Algoma in the past 14 days:
§ You will not be permitted to visit. Exceptions will only be made for compassionate reasons.
§ You may be directed to contact a COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
· All routine appointments for Laboratory, Medical Imaging or Physiotherapy services are cancelled during Lockdown. Appointments will be rescheduled following the lockdown period.
o Laboratory: Essential testing ONLY available by appointment between 7:30 am and 12:00 pm Monday – Friday. Patients are asked to call 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660 and clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service.
o Medical Imaging: Services will only be provided for life-threatening and essential emergencies. To schedule an appointment for an urgent service, please contact the department 705-356-2265 ext. 2570.
o Physiotherapy: Essential services only, including patients who require urgent rehabilitation (e.g. after surgery, cast removal, sudden increase in falls) to avoid visits to the Emergency Department. Patients must contact the department at 705-356-2265 ext. 2480.
o Nurse Practitioner Clinic: Patient visits will take place virtually or by phone. Orphan patients (individuals who do not have a family provider) may also access this service. To book an appointment please call 705-356-2265 ext. 2616 and leave your name and contact information, or send an email to NPprogram@nshn.care.^
Outpatients who require assistance and are attending the hospital for scheduled appointments are permitted to have 1 person accompany them.
Effective December 26, 2020, the following changes apply to Long-Term Care:
No general visitors are permitted, with exceptions only for Essential Visitors & Designated Caregivers.
Maximum 2 designated caregivers per resident. 1 Caregiver per resident may visit at a time.
Must provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result in the past week; must verbally attest to not subsequently testing positive.
NSHN will have discretion to restrict the length of visits and/or the numbers of visitors in the home.
All essential visitors are subject to screening protocols.
· Residents will need to remain in the home for the duration of the Lockdown.
· As more direction is provided from the Ministry of Long-Term Care – NSHN will provide updates as required.
Any visitor who fails the symptom screening questions will not be permitted to visit until they are symptom free for 48 hours and receive a negative COVID-19 test result. Patients who are tested for COVID-19 will not be permitted visitors until a negative test result is back unless the patient is requiring end-of-life care. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable; where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon) or visit: www.nshn.care/covid19.
The North Shore Health Network thanks you for treating our workers with respect. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to visiting or services.
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For further information, contact:
Melanie Kubatlija, Corporate Strategy, Risk & Communications
mkubatlija@nshn.care; 705-356-2265 ext. 2744
*For more information on NSHN visiting policies, please visit: https://www.nshn.care/visiting-policies
^Note: There is a risk associated with using a non-secured email address i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail etc. NSHN cannot be held responsible should you choose to communicate with NSHN via email.
NSHN Laboratory Complete Outpatient Services Resumption
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network is resuming complete Outpatient Laboratory services at the Blind River Site through a new appointment-based system to allow for physical distancing and increased infection control practices between patients.
Effective September 21, 2020:
A total of 25 appointments will be available per weekday on a first booked, first served basis.
All Outpatient Laboratory appointments must be pre-scheduled through the dedicated Appointment Line:
Patients are asked to call 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660 and clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service.
A staff member will return your call within 2 business days.
The booking agent will return calls between the hours of 9:00 am – 12:00 pm weekday mornings. Please provide a telephone number where you may be reached during these times.
Appointments will be booked between 7:30 am and 2:45 pm, Monday to Friday.
PLEASE NOTE: Same day and/or walk-in appointments are not available. There will not be a wait-list for cancellations. Patients are encouraged to book laboratory appointments well in advance of scheduled medical visits where results are required.
In accordance with Algoma Public Health guidelines, patients must wear a clean face covering (i.e. non-medical or cloth mask) throughout the duration of their appointment.
Due to the close nature of Laboratory work, and to protect the safety of workers, patients who refuse to wear a face covering will not be served without proof of medical exemption.
Patients are requested to attend appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. The patient as well as the individual accompanying them will both be subject to screening protocols.
If you are a patient with a scheduled appointment who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or needs to cancel for any reason, please contact the Laboratory directly to cancel your appointment by calling: 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2580.
If you have questions about your requisition, fasting requirements or other general inquiries please contact the Appointment Line (ext. 2660) and provide details around your question. Please do not contact the Laboratory directly unless you are cancelling an appointment.
The North Shore Health Network has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and harassment in the workplace. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to Laboratory services. Thank you for treating our workers with respect and for your patience as complete outpatient services resume.
NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Back to School
Throughout the catchment area of the North Shore Health Network, families have made decisions about returning to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those returning to the classroom this week, parents, guardians and/or caregivers will be completing daily screening of children for symptoms before heading to school.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include: new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. Children have been more commonly reported to have abdominal symptoms, and skin changes or rashes.
If a child develops symptoms of COVID-19, please complete the online self-assessment at www.COVID-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment for guidance on actions to take, which may include contacting a COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
Please do not attend the emergency department for mild COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms are worsening or if you require urgent care, please call 911 and inform them of your symptoms as well as recent travel and/or contact history.
NSHN operates COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Blind River and Thessalon, available by appointment only.
Contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre by:
· Calling 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321:
o Blind River Location: Ext. 2661
o Thessalon Location: Ext. 2662
OR
· Submitting the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19
A staff member will respond within 48 hours by telephone to complete pre-screening and provide further instructions.
If you have general questions about COVID-19, please contact Algoma Public Health toll-free 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404 or visit www.algomapublichealth.com.
NSHN Foundation Launches Online Monthly 50/50
Starting Monday, August 3rd, the North Shore Health Network Foundation will be launching their newest Fundraiser, a monthly online 50/50! It is a way of supporting local healthcare while also offering a chance to win!! The NSHN Foundation 50/50 can be purchased at NSHN5050.com or NSHN5050.ca.
The proceeds will be going towards equipment and services provided by our North Shore Health Network which is comprised of three sites; Blind River Hospital, Thessalon Hospital, and Richards Landing-Matthews Hospital. Today, outstanding local healthcare is more important than ever. The Foundation’s goal in raising funds is to ensure that our health care professionals have the tools they need to take care of local patients.
The jackpot will be updated online in real time for each months draw, and will continue to grow as more people participate. Half of the total each month goes to the drawn ticket holder, and the other half will go to support patient care at all three sites supported by the NSHN Foundation. Remember, the more tickets you buy, the greater you chances of winning!! Good Luck to all, and thank you again for Keeping Health Care Within Reach.
NSHN Employee Wins OAMRS Patient Care Award
The North Shore Health Network congratulates Jonathon Vairo, MRT(R) – the recipient of the 2020 Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) Patient Care Award.
Ralph Barker, President & CEO, commends Jonathon on this achievement “NSHN is extremely proud of Jonathon for winning this prestigious provincial award, and we are equally as fortunate to have him as a member of our health care team at NSHN providing quality care to the residents of the North Shore.”
Jonathon works in the Medical Imaging Department at the NSHN Blind River Site. Kim Rousselle, Medical Imaging Manager, says “I nominated Jonathon because of his exceptional patient care skills.” Rousselle continues, “I have worked in Medical Imaging for many years and honestly have never seen someone go to the extent that Jonathon does for all his patients.”
Jonathon is described by his co-workers as someone who always goes over and above his call of duty as a Technologist when it has to do with patient care.
“I feel that this is a team effort, and we have won as a team for our department. I would also like to thank all of my co-workers, inside and outside of the department,” says Jonathon.
Nominated and selected by the OAMRS membership, this award honours exceptional contributions in patient care.
Congratulations Jonathon!
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BACKGROUNDER:
The award presentation is available online: https://youtu.be/EXJ2VZtlCNU
From the OAMRS: https://secure.oamrs.org/Apps/Pages/the-patient-care-award
“The Patient Care Award is about more than clinical treatment. Nominated and selected by the OAMRS membership this award honours the exceptional contributions of an individual MRT/ Sonographer, (DMS) hospital, clinic, organization or professional team that has demonstrated leadership, innovation in any or all aspects of patient care – from general interactions, providing care to creating great systems and beyond. This award recognizes and honours the meaningful contributions of individuals and teams for acts of caring and compassion that go above and beyond the call of duty, inspire others and have a profound and lasting impact.”
NSHN LTC Visiting Policy Updated
Blind River, ON – The Ministry of Long-Term Care has provided further guidelines for visitation in long-term care homes for both outdoor and indoor visiting:
Effective immediately, the following applies to outdoor visitation:
o Visiting hours will be between 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm daily.
o Up to two (2) visitors at a time per resident are allowed.
o Visitors are responsible for bringing their own face coverings for outdoor visits.
o Attestation of COVID-19 testing is not required for outdoor visits.
o All visits must be scheduled in advance. To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
Effective Wednesday July 22, 2020, the following applies to indoor visitation:
o Visiting hours will begin no sooner than 11:00 am and conclude by 8:00 pm. (Exceptions may be made for Essential Visitors and Essential Caregivers.)
o Up to two (2) visitors at a time per resident are allowed.
o Visitors will be supplied with a surgical / procedure mask by the LTC Home that must be worn at all times.
o Indoor visitors are required to verbally attest to the LTC Home workers that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and not subsequently tested positive.
o All visits must be scheduled in advance. (To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.)
In order for visitation to take place, the Home must not currently be in outbreak. All visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting a long-term care home is appropriate. Visitors must pass screening to visit. Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illnesses (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, or sneezing) will be asked to return home, and self-isolate. Visitors who have travelled outside of Canada are asked NOT to visit.
Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon).
NSHN Revises Visiting Policy
In accordance with a directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and in recognition of the important role of visitors in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of patients and residents, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has revised existing visitor restrictions. NSHN will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity in the catchment area and work closely with Algoma Public Health to inform and adjust visitation policies as needed.
Effective Tuesday June 23, 2020 visitation will resume as follows:
Emergency Department (All Sites) / Acute Care Unit (Blind River Site): Consideration will be given to the patient’s circumstances and the visitor’s role. Visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting is appropriate. At this time, please limit to 2 visitors per patient, per day. All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable in most circumstances. Where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River): The Ministry of Long-Term Care has provided guidelines for the resumption of outdoor visits in long-term care homes. Visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting a long-term care home is appropriate. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program
Prior to each visit the visitor must:
Pass an active screening questionnaire.
Attest to LTC staff that the visitor has tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 2 weeks and subsequently not tested positive. The home is not responsible for providing the testing.
Comply with long-term care home infection, prevention and control protocols, including proper use of face or surgical / procedure masks.
o Phase 1: Outdoor Visiting Only
NSHN has identified a dedicated outdoor area outside of the building where visitors can meet with loved ones. Workers will support the transfer of residents out of and into the home.
Only 1 visitor at a time is allowed per resident.
Visitors are required to bring and wear their own face covering when visiting.
All visits must be scheduled in advance.
Visiting hours will be between 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm daily.
Consideration will be given to visits outside of these hours on a case-by-case basis.
To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
Patient Accompaniment: Patients are requested to attend out-patient appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable.
Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illnesses (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, or sneezing) will be asked to return home, and self-isolate. Visitors who have travelled outside of Canada are asked NOT to visit.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon).
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Receives Donation of Hand Sanitizer
The North Shore Health Network will have clean hands across all sites to tackle COVID-19 thanks to the donation of 48 litres of hand sanitizer by the Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre located in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
On behalf of NSHN – THANK YOU!
Sue Fex, PSW, and Mark Donner, Senior Lead - Project Management Office & Business Analyst, pose with 48L of hand sanitizer donated to NSHN by Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre.
NSHN Receives Donation of Masks
The North Shore Health Network graciously received a substantial donation of masks today from Scott & Christa Lawrence, owners of Kings Plumbing & Heating located in Thessalon, ON.
“I would like to thank you very much for the opportunity to be able to donate 2000 masks to the North Shore Health Network,” said Scott. “My wife Christa and I are very pleased to be able to do this. Hopefully the masks won’t be used, but if they help just one person then our goal has been achieved.”
Scott also had a message for NSHNs healthcare team, “thank you very much to your front-line staff and the efforts everyone is making to try to ‘flatten the curve,’ and fight this awful virus. Stay safe!” On behalf of NSHN – THANK YOU Scott & Christa!
Lynn Jobst, Nurse Manager for Thessalon and Richards Landing – Matthews sites poses with Scott Lawrence of Kings Plumbing & Heating located in Thessalon, ON, as 2000 masks were donated to the North Shore Health Network.
NSHN Further Increases Visitor Restrictions
Under the Province of Ontario’s Declaration of Emergency for COVID-19, every power possible is being used to continue to protect the health and safety of individuals and families. To protect the safety of our patients, residents, workers and their families, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has made the difficult decision to further increase visitor restrictions at all NSHN sites. This includes the Blind River, Thessalon and Richards Landing – Matthews sites.
Effective immediately the following visitor restrictions will be in place until further notice:
Emergency Department (All Sites): No visitors will be allowed except in circumstances where the patient is at end-of-life. In those circumstances, only 1 designated visitor will be permitted. Only 1 designated person will be allowed to accompany a child under the age of 18.
Acute Care Unit (All Sites): No visitors will be allowed except where the patient is requiring end-of-life care. In those circumstances, only 1 designated visitor will be permitted.
Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River): No visitors will be allowed except where the resident is requiring end-of-life care. In those circumstances, only 1 designated visitor will be permitted.
Out-Patient Services: Individuals who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are permitted to have 1 designated person accompany them.
Visitors at all sites are required to be screened at the Main Entrance. Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illnesses (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, or sneezing) will be asked to return home, and self-isolate. Visitors who have travelled outside of Canada are asked NOT to visit.
Patients coming to the Emergency Department with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call ahead prior to coming to the facility. It is requested that patients only visit the Emergency Departments at this time if in need of urgent care.
If you are feeling unwell and not sure if you should be tested, call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or call Algoma Public Health (1-866-892-0172 ext 5404).
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
Reduction of Outpatient Services at the Blind River Site
=The North Shore Health Network is continuously assessing the recommendations for health service delivery across our catchment area, in order to implement processes as necessary to ensure the safety of patients, residents, and workers.
Effective March 30, 2020 further reductions in Outpatient Services provided at the Blind River site will be implemented:
Laboratory: Essential or urgent testing is available by appointment only for high-risk patients between 7am and 12pm Monday – Friday. Patients who require non-urgent testing are advised to attend Dyna Care in Elliot Lake or any LifeLabs location. To schedule an appointment for essential or urgent testing, please contact the department 705-356-2265 ext. 2580.
Medical Imaging: Services will only be provided for life-threatening and essential emergencies. All routine requisitions will be completed at a later date. To schedule an appointment for an urgent service, please contact the department 705-356-2265 ext. 2570.
Physiotherapy: Essential services only at this time, including patients who require urgent rehabilitation (e.g. after surgery, cast removal, sudden increase in falls) to avoid visits to the Emergency Department. Patients must contact the department at 705-356-2265 ext. 2480.
Nurse Practitioner Clinic: Patient visits will take place virtually or by phone. Orphan patients (individuals who do not have a family provider) may also access this service. To book an appointment please call 705-356-2265 ext. 2616 and leave your name and contact information, or send an email to NPprogram@nshn.care.
Outpatients who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are permitted to have 1 designated person accompany them.
Screening through the Main Entrance for all outpatients will continue to take place. All outpatients will be provided with a mask by NSHN, to be worn while inside the facility.
NSHN Increases Visitor Restrictions Effective March 19, 2020
With the health and safety of patients, residents, clients, visitors and workers of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) at top of mind, NSHN has increased visitor restrictions at all sites effective Thursday March 19, 2020.
The following visitor restrictions will be in place until further notice:
• Emergency Department (All Sites): No visitors will be allowed except in circumstances where the patient is very ill or at end-of-life. Only 1 parent will be allowed to accompany a child under the age of 18.
• Acute Care Unit (All Sites): No visitors will be allowed except where the patient is very ill or requiring end-of-life care. In these circumstances, only 1 visitor at a time will be permitted.
• Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River): No visitors will be allowed except where the resident is very ill or requiring end-of-life care. In these circumstances, only 1 visitor at a time will be permitted.
• Out-Patient Services: Individuals who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are permitted to have 1 person accompany them.
Visitors at all sites are required to be screened at the Main Entrance. Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illnesses (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, or sneezing) will be asked to return home, and self-isolate. Visitors who have travelled outside of Canada are asked NOT to visit.
Visitors are encouraged to keep their visits short.
Patients coming to the Emergency Department with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call ahead prior to coming to the facility. It is requested that patients only visit the Emergency Departments at this time if in need of urgent care.
If you are feeling unwell and not sure if you should be tested, call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or call Algoma Public Health (1-866-892-0172 ext 5404).
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Patients Coming with COVID-19 Symptoms Urged to Call Ahead
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is actively monitoring directives from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for COVID-19.
At this time, regular operations continue at all sites with increased screening protocols in place for patients, visitors and workers.
Patients coming to the Emergency Department with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call ahead prior to coming to the facility.
As part of enhanced screening measures, NSHN has begun preparations to establish COVID-19 Assessment Clinics at our Blind River and Thessalon Sites. This includes the addition of trailers to the properties. Further work is required to get these clinics up and running and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
If you are feeling unwell and not sure if you should be tested, call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or call Algoma Public Health (1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404).
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Implements Screening for Patients and Visitors
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care instructed all long-term care homes to begin active screening of all visitors as emerging information on COVID-19 suggests elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at increased risk.
As a result, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has begun active screening of patients and visitors at all sites – Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing – Matthews.
The following protocols are in place at each site:
· Blind River Site
o All out-patients and visitors must enter through the hospital’s Main Entrance for screening during regular business hours (7am – 10pm).
After-hours screening will take place via the night entrance (10pm – 7am).
The long-term care entrance is closed until further notice; the long-term care unit remains open to visitors at this time.
· Thessalon Site
o All screening will take place prior to entering the department.
· Richards Landing – Matthews
o All screening will take place prior to entering the building.
After screening, patients or visitors will be asked to clean their hands, and may be asked to put on a mask.
If you have a fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing and in the 14 days before symptom onset you have been to a COVID-19 impacted area, or you have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, or you have been in close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to a COVID-19 impacted area, please delay your visit AND contact your health care provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000).
NSHN apologizes for any inconvenience, and thanks all for their cooperation in maintaining the well-being of our clients, patients, residents, and workers.
North Shore Health Network Selects New CEO
June 2019
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ralph Barker, P.Eng. as the new President and Chief Executive Officer for the organization, effective May 19, 2019.
Ralph was the successful candidate in a national search to fill this important role at NSHN, which was conducted by an independent 3rd party executive recruitment firm, and which focused on qualities and attributes identified by NSHN’s Board, physicians, and staff.
Mr. Barker is an accomplished C-suite health care executive and senior business leader, with over 30 years of experience effectively managing the development and delivery of innovative organizational strategy, visionary products and solutions, and operational services to a broad spectrum of organizations throughout North America, ranging from small private enterprise to Fortune 1000 companies.
His experience includes over 14 years in the Ontario health care sector, including both ambulatory and acute care organizations, with governance, strategic, and operational responsibilities for a broad portfolio. He has several years of hospital Board governance experience, and he was most recently the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Services at the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie for the past eight years. He is also a highly respected community thought leader, and acknowledged builder and leader of high performance teams, embodied through selection as Sault Ste. Marie’s Innovation Leader of the Year in 2014.
Ralph is a native of Northern Ontario, and brings with him a passion and deep understanding of rural and northern living. “I am excited to join the team at NSHN, and I look forward to helping move the organization forward with continued quality health care for residents of the North Shore”, said Mr. Barker.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chair Donna Latulippe said “Ralph has the unanimous support of the Board, and we are pleased to have someone with Ralph’s experience to renew our leadership and guide us through this period of transformational change in the Ontario health care sector”.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TO BE HELD: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
in the Classroom at the Blind River Site
North Shore Health Network
525 Causley Street
Blind River, ON
Everyone is welcome to attend.
For further information, contact Donna May, Executive Assistant
(705) 356-2265 Ext 2601 or dmay@nshn.care