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)
NSHN Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
On December 13, 2021 we received confirmation from Algoma Public Health that an NSHN staff member from the Blind River Site tested positive for COVID-19. This person acquired their COVID-19 infection through exposure outside of the work setting.
NSHN has worked closely with the worker, confirming that while at work all appropriate and best practice infection prevention and control measures were taken. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction.
In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health is conducting contact tracing and will notify all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly, you are not considered a close contact.
NSHN continues to take all the proper precautions and steps to keep our staff, physicians, and patients safe.
NSHN Statement Re: Thessalon Site Physician Coverage
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) continues to work with partners to ensure sustained Emergency Department physician coverage at the Thessalon Site.
“We remain hopeful that a solution will be found and we thank all partners involved in the important conversations taking place,” says NSHN President and CEO Richard Joly.
NSHN remains committed to pursuing every available avenue to avoid closure and is committed to keeping the community informed regarding the situation.
NSHN Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
On December 10, 2021 we received confirmation from Algoma Public Health that an NSHN staff member from the Thessalon Site tested positive for COVID-19. This person acquired their COVID-19 infection through exposure outside of the work setting.
NSHN has worked closely with the worker, confirming that while at work all appropriate and best practice infection prevention and control measures were taken. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction.
In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health is conducting contact tracing and will notify all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly, you are not considered a close contact.
NSHN continues to take all the proper precautions and steps to keep our staff, physicians, and patients safe.
NOTICE: NSHN Visiting Guidelines for Acute Care, Emergency Department & Outpatient Updated
Effective December 9, 2021 – changes to the North Shore Health Network Visiting Guidelines will come into effect for the Emergency Department, Acute Care Unit and Outpatient Services at all NSHN sites – Blind River, Thessalon & Richards Landing – Matthews.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT / ACUTE CARE UNIT – ALL SITES
ONLY vaccinated* Essential Caregivers will be able to enter the facility.~
NO General Visiting at this time.
Exceptions to the Essential Caregiver Requirement may be considered in the following circumstances:
· Accompanying someone under the age of 18.
· Providing support for patients in labour.
· End-of-life situations.
· Trauma / critical illness.
· Vulnerable individuals (e.g. cognitive impairment, significant development and/or intellectual disability, unable to effectively communicate, or mobility issue.)
· Children under 12 will be considered for visits on an individual basis in extenuating circumstances.
~For more information see Figure 1.1 NSHN COVID-19 Visiting Framework.
OUTPATIENT SERVICES (Laboratory / Medical Imaging / Physiotherapy) – ALL SITES
ONLY vaccinated* Essential Caregivers will be able to enter the facility.
· Support persons for Outpatients are considered Essential Caregivers and MUST be vaccinated to enter the facility. For an exception to be considered, individuals must speak with the patient’s care team.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ESSENTIAL CAREGIVERS:
· Essential Caregivers who are fully vaccinated* do not require proof of a negative COVID-19 swab to enter the facility; but must provide evidence of vaccination status upon screening.
· All visitors are required to follow infection prevention and control measures including: active screening, hand hygiene, wearing a medical mask and eye protection, and practicing physical distancing.
*Fully Vaccinated = received the full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines accepted by the Government of Canada (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson); and you have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to your visit.
LONG-TERM CARE**
COVID-19 Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes (Directive #3) under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 (LTCHA) issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health establishes requirements for visits to long-term care homes.
· Essential caregivers and general visitors will be asked to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 7 days to enter the home.**
· For more information regarding Long-Term Care Visiting, please contact 705-356-2265 ext. 2728.
NOTICE: NSHN WORKER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has received confirmation from Algoma Public Health that a staff member from the Thessalon Site has tested positive for COVID-19.
NSHN has worked closely with the worker, confirming that while at work all appropriate and best practice infection prevention and control measures were taken. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction.
In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health has conducted contact tracing and has notified all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly by Algoma Public Health, you are not considered a close contact.
In addition, in an effort to reduce traffic at the Thessalon Site, NSHN will be limiting all Medical Imaging appointments to those deemed urgent or essential only for the next 14 days.
There is no change in access to Emergency Department Services.
Our team continues to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The safety of workers, providers, patients, clients, residents and visitors is a top priority. We urge the community to continue to follow public health guidance. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands often, and stay home as much as possible.
Thank you for treating our healthcare workers with kindness and respect.
To book an appointment for COVID-19 testing, contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321
o ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
ACUTE CARE VISITING UPDATE
Effective Friday September 10, 2021 NSHN is updating Acute Care Visiting Guidelines for General Visitors / Essential Caregivers:
- Patients are limited to 2 visitors per day (this may be a combination of general and essential visitors, but is limited to 2).
- Visitors who are fully vaccinated* do not require proof of a negative COVID-19 swab to enter the facility; but must provide evidence of vaccination status upon screening.
- Visitors who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated^, or whose vaccination status is unknown are required to demonstrate proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab, completed within the previous 7 days, to visit.
All visitors are required to follow infection prevention and control measures including: active screening, hand hygiene, wearing a medical mask and eye protection, and practicing physical distancing.
*Fully Vaccinated = received the full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines accepted by the Government of Canada (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson); and you have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to your visit.
^Partially Vaccinated = for two-dose vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca), you are considered partially vaccinated if you have received only one dose, or if 14 days have not yet passed from the date of your last dose. For one-dose vaccines (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson), you are considered partially vaccinated if 14 days have not yet passed from the date of your dose.
TRANSITION OF HANDI-TRANSIT SERVICES
Blind River, ON – For over 25 years, the Handi-Transit service operating in partnership with the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) and the Town of Blind River, has provided reliable transportation services for older adults who can no longer regularly drive or are without access to a personal vehicle, and clients with physical, developmental or mental health needs.
NSHN and the Town of Blind River recognize that access to Handi-Transit services is an important link for individuals to participate in civic and social life, and helps to increase independence, particularly for those with limited mobility or who live alone. Focused on the mandate of a healthcare facility and continued delivery of the highest quality care, NSHN initiated negotiations to transition the transportation services back to the Town of Blind River.
Through resolution dated August 9, 2021, Council has directed the CAO to discuss with bus providers the management and day-to-day operations of the Handi-Transit to ensure the level of service is maintained or enhanced.
As negotiations continue, both NSHN and the Town of Blind River are committed to ensuring a seamless transition in services for the community. It is anticipated that the changeover of services will take place in the Fall / Winter of 2021.
NSHN UPDATES VISITING & OUTPATIENT SERVICES
NSHN Visiting & Outpatient Services Update
As of July 16, 2021 Ontario is in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery.
VISITING:
o Acute Care Unit (Blind River):
General visiting is permitted; all visitors must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test completed within the previous 7 days to visit.
Two (2) essential caregivers continue to be designated for each patient. Essential caregivers are required to demonstrate proof of a negative COVID-19 swab, completed within the previous 7 days to visit.
For patients at end-of-life, up to four (4) visitors will be allowed at the bedside at one time.
Special circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
o Emergency Department (All Sites):
Up to 2 Essential Caregivers. Visiting access will be arranged in collaboration with Emergency Department workers.
o Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River):
There are no longer limitation on the number of visitors who can visit a resident - indoors or outdoors.
Fully immunized caregivers and general visitors are not required to undergo PCR or Rapid Antigen testing. Proof of immunization is required. Note: a person is fully immunized against COVID-19 if they have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of vaccines approved by Health Canada; and they received their final dose at least 14 days ago.
Partially, non-immunized or undisclosed immunization status visitors are required to complete rapid antigen testing on the day of visit.
Close contact is permitted for those who are fully vaccinated.
Brief hugs are permitted regardless of vaccination status.
All general precautions remain in place:
o Visitors will continue to be actively screened. Those passing the screening process will be asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask and in some circumstances, eye protection.
o 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.
o No symptomatic visitors will be allowed to visit under any circumstances.
o If it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
OUTPATIENT SERVICES:
Patients are requested to attend out-patient appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. Attendants must also pass the screening process.
Laboratory: Routine scheduled bookings. All Outpatient Laboratory appointments must be pre-scheduled through the dedicated Appointment Line: 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660. Clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service, a staff member will return your call within 2 business days.
Medical Imaging: Routine scheduled bookings. One (1) partner is permitted to attend obstetrical ultrasound appointments provided they pass screening protocols.
To book a Medical Imaging appointment:
Blind River Site: 705-356-2265 ext. 2570
Thessalon Site: 705-842-2014
Richards Landing – Matthews Site: 705-246-2570
Physiotherapy: In-person physiotherapy appointments continue. Due to volumes, the department is only able to see acute cases (post-surgery, after cast removal, or recent injury) at this time. Virtual visits will continue where appropriate. If you have a Physiotherapy referral, do not drop it off at the hospital – please 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.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and you have a scheduled appointment, please contact your Health Care Provider and the department to postpone your appointment.
To book an appointment for COVID-19 testing, contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321
o ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Assists Global COVID-19 Response
The North Shore Health Network recently purchased an oxygen concentrator, specifically engineered for medical oxygen gas generation, to enhance the current oxygen supply sources at the Blind River Site. The unit arrived on site in May 2021. Shortly after its arrival, NSHN was contacted by the supplier, ON2, with a request from the Federal Government for assistance with providing India with medical equipment to aide in their battle against COVID-19.
ON2 had a total of 18 concentrators that were awaiting installation throughout Canada. All 18 hospitals and Health Authorities, including NSHN, agreed to return their uninstalled units so they could be used where most needed.
Maintenance staff removed the concentrator from the container and crated it for shipment on May 28, 2021. The crate was picked up on Monday May 31st, and transported to British Columbia where it was scheduled to be shipped out on military cargo plan to India on Friday June 4th. ON2 also sent crates of installation materials and several of their company technicians on the flight as well to get the units up and running once on the ground. By now, the units should be in service and providing oxygen to COVID-19 patients in need.
NSHN UPDATES VISITING & OUTPATIENT SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO ENTERING STEP 1 OF ONTARIO’S ROADMAP TO REOPEN
Blind River, ON – As Ontario enters Step 1 of the Roadmap to reopen, the North Shore Health Network is providing patients and families with an update on visiting restrictions and access to outpatient services. NSHN will continue to monitor key public health indicators and provide ongoing communication of changes to these policies as the province moves through each step.
General precautions remain in place:
o All visitors and outpatients will continue to be actively screened. Those passing the screening process will be asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask and in some circumstances, eye protection.
o If it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
o Patients / Residents 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.
o No symptomatic visitors will be allowed to visit under any circumstances.
· Effective immediately:
o Emergency Department (All Sites):
§ Up to 2 essential caregivers are permitted to visit in collaboration with the Emergency Department workers.
o Acute Care Unit (Blind River):
§ General visiting is not permitted at this time.
§ Two (2) essential caregivers may be designated for each patient with both essential caregivers able to visit at the same time.
§ Visits must be booked in advance, and all essential visitors are subject to COVID-19 testing.
§ Special circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
o Long-Term Care (Blind River):
§ General visiting is permitted outdoors with up to 2 general visitors permitted.
· In situations where the Resident has mobility or health issues, a maximum of 1 general visitor is permitted indoors.
· General visitors who are visiting outdoors are not subject to Rapid Antigen Testing.
· Outdoor visiting hours will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, and 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Note: there may be exceptions due to inclement weather and/or staffing needs.
· All visits will be scheduled in advance.
o To schedule a visit, please contact the unit at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
o OUTPATIENT SERVICES:
Patients are requested to attend out-patient appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. Attendants must also pass the screening process.
§ Laboratory: Routine scheduled bookings. All Outpatient Laboratory appointments must be pre-scheduled through the dedicated Appointment Line: 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660. Clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service, a staff member will return your call within 2 business days.
§ Medical Imaging: Routine scheduled bookings. One (1) partner is permitted to attend obstetrical ultrasound appointments provided they pass screening protocols.
To book a Medical Imaging appointment:
§ Blind River Site: 705-356-2265 ext. 2570
§ Thessalon Site: 705-842-2014
§ Richards Landing – Matthews Site: 705-246-2570
§ Physiotherapy: In-person physiotherapy appointments continue. Due to volumes, the department is only able to see acute cases (post-surgery, after cast removal, or recent injury) at this time. Virtual visits will continue where appropriate. If you have a Physiotherapy referral, do not drop it off at the hospital – please 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.
To book an appointment for COVID-19 testing, contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321
§ ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
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 visiting or services. Thank you for treating our workers with respect.
NSHN Long-Term Care General Visiting - Update
As you will have heard, yesterday the government released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures.
In addition, changes are also being made to reopen outdoor recreational amenities and to permit organized public events and social gatherings with a maximum of five people, including members from different households.
To align with these changes, the Ministry of Long-Term Care is allowing for family members and friends to visit their loved ones who live in long-term care homes across the province. This means that general visitors will be able to come to LTC homes to see their loved ones for an outdoor visit.
NSHN is excited to welcome the return of general visitors to Long-Term Care. Although it was announced that these changes come into effect as of 12:01 am Saturday May 22, 2021, in order to ensure the safe return to visiting in our home’s outdoor spaces, NSHN is working diligently to revise procedures and to develop a plan to begin booking appointments for early next week. In the meantime, virtual visiting options remain in place. Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as this is truly an important step for residents and their families and we expect to provide more information in the coming days.
#VolunteersBringChange #NVW2021 - Long-Term Care
This is National Volunteer Week! This year's theme is "The Value of One, The Power of Many!" NSHN will be highlighting some of our devoted volunteer groups this week in celebration.
Today we recognize our Long-Term Care volunteers. This year may have been a little different due to COVID-19, and your presence in the home is missed. We miss your songs, your stories, and your smiles. Hopefully, we will all be able to get back to seeing each other again soon! #stopthespread
“Volunteers are the glue that keeps our Long-Term Care home the happy place that it is.
Musical entertainment, spiritual services, holiday decorating, gardening, breakfast club, and recognizing special days such as Mother’s and Father’s Days, are just some of the ways our volunteers contribute to our home. Students from various local schools also bring a source of great joy to our residents. Your songs, stories and visits bring smiles, and that is priceless! This year has been different due to COVID-19. Our home misses you all, and we can’t wait to see you again soon when it is safe to do so.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you!”
#VolunteersBringChange #NVW2021
#VolunteersBringChange #NVW2021 - Community Support Services
This is National Volunteer Week! This year's theme is "The Value of One, The Power of Many!" NSHN will be highlighting some of our devoted volunteer groups this week in celebration.
First up… our Community Support Services volunteers! This group has been working hard throughout the pandemic to continue to offer services that our community relies on, including: meals on wheels, medical transportation and income tax services.
If you see a CSS volunteer, please be sure to thank them for their continued dedication to our communities!
Thank you to all NSHN volunteers!
NSHN LTC Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
Blind River, ON – As part of ongoing proactive surveillance, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has received confirmation that a worker from the Blind River Site – Long-Term Care Unit, has tested positive for COVID-19.
As the investigation continues, NSHN is working closely with Algoma Public Health to take heightened preventative actions to protect workers and residents, including placing all residents in quarantine. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction.
In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health has conducted contact tracing and has notified all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly by Algoma Public Health, you are not considered a close contact.
Our team continues to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The safety of workers, providers, patients, clients, residents and visitors is a top priority. We urge the community to continue to follow public health guidance and the province-wide stay-at-home order. Wear a mask, physical distance, wash your hands often, and stay home except for essential purposes.
Thank you for treating our healthcare workers with kindness and respect.
To book an appointment for COVID-19 testing, contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321
o ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
NSHN Visitor Restrictions As A Result of Province-Wide Lockdown
With the health and safety of patients, residents, clients, visitors and workers of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) at top of mind, in response to the province-wide lockdown, NSHN has made the difficult decision to limit access to visitors. Effective April 3, 2021 and in place until further notice:
Emergency Department (All Sites):
Only 1 Essential Caregiver permitted.
· Only 1 parent will be allowed to accompany a child under the age of 18.
· For end-of-life situations – a maximum of 2 visitors may be permitted.
· All visits will be coordinated in collaboration with Emergency Department workers.
Acute Care Unit (Blind River):
No general visitors are permitted.
One (1) Essential Caregiver to be identified with 1 alternate.
· Visits must be booked with the unit beforehand and are limited to 1 hour.
· Essential visitor requires proof of negative COVID-19 swab within previous 7 days to visit.
· Alternate may only visit when the primary essential visitor is not available for multiple days.
Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River):
No general visitors will be allowed except for palliative or emergency situations.
· In these circumstances, exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons to allow a maximum of 2 designated general visitors.
Only 1 Designated Caregiver may visit at a time.
Essential Support Workers are permitted to enter the home following screening and completion of Rapid Antigen Testing.
Out-Patient Services:
Individuals who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are requested to attend alone; however, if attendants are required outpatients are permitted to have 1 person accompany them.
Patients should only visit the Emergency Departments if in need of urgent care. If you are feeling unwell or not sure if you should be tested, call Algoma Public Health (1-866-892-0172 ext 5404) or contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321
o ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Welcomes President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard C. Joly, President & Chief Executive Officer, North Shore Health Network
Blind River, ON – The Board of Trustees of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard C. Joly as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Highly accomplished, compassionate and outcome driven, Joly brings a unique and innovative leadership approach to NSHN.
Holding a BSc.N in Nursing from Laurentian University and a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University, Joly is a proven strategic thinker respected for professionalism, creativity, leading and inspiring others. A Certified Health Executive with extensive experience in senior leadership roles, including Vice President of the North East LHIN – Home and Community Care and CEO of the North East Community Care Access Centre, he is well equipped for the role.
Committed to setting organizational priorities providing patients, residents and clients with continued high quality and compassionate care, Joly will take office on April 5, 2021.
“As a fellow Northerner, I am very excited to join the NSHN team and contribute to a positive patient/family journey. In addition, I look forward to further developing collaborative patient-focused partnerships with the Board of Trustees, clinicians, physicians, staff, volunteers and community partners throughout the catchment area that we serve.” – Richard C. Joly, President and CEO, North Shore Health Network
The Board of Trustees would like to thank Mr. David Murray, interim President and CEO, for his leadership over the past several months, and wish him the best in his future endeavours.
NSHN Workers First Vaccination Clinics Complete!
Our NSHN COVID-19 Warriors were hard at work yesterday - completing our first vaccination clinics for workers. Vaccine clinics occurred simultaneously across all 3 sites in Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing - Matthews! Every vaccination completed is one step closer to overcoming this virus!
NSHN Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has received confirmation from Algoma Public Health that a staff member from the Blind River Site has tested positive for COVID-19. This person acquired their COVID-19 infection through exposure outside of the work setting.
NSHN has worked closely with the worker, confirming that while at work all appropriate and best practice infection prevention and control measures were taken. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction. In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health has conducted contact tracing and has notified all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly by Algoma Public Health, you are not considered a close contact.
Our team continues to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The safety of workers, providers, patients, clients, residents and visitors is a top priority. We urge the community to continue to follow public health guidance. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands often, and stay home as much as possible.
Thank you for treating our healthcare workers with kindness and respect.
To book an appointment for COVID-19 testing, contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321
o ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
NSHN Eases Visitor Restrictions; Resumes Routine Outpatient Services
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network is easing visitor restrictions and resuming outpatient operations in accordance with the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. NSHN is presently in the Yellow – Protect level.
Effective Wednesday February 17, 2021:
· ACUTE CARE VISITING (Blind River Site):
o 2 general visitors allowed per day, limited to 1 visit per day each (i.e. visitors are not able to come and go multiple times per day).
o Visiting hours will begin after 7:00 am and conclude by 10:00 pm.
o NSHN will have discretion to restrict the length of visits.
o Visitors are subject to screening protocols.
· EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (All Sites):
o 2 general visitors per day permitted, with only 1 in the Emergency Department at a time.
o Visiting in the Emergency Department will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Workers will have the discretion of restricting visitors from entering or remaining in the department if the safety of the patient and/or workers becomes a concern in relation to COVID-19 risks.
· LONG-TERM CARE (Blind River):
o Essential Caregivers are permitted to return upon providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the past week.
o Visiting hours will begin after 11:00 am and conclude by 8:00 pm.
o All visits will be scheduled in advance.
§ To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care: 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
o General visiting remains on hold at this time as the home works to implement a point-of-care rapid antigen testing program. Access to general visitors will be reassessed on a weekly basis. More information will be provided as available.
§ To schedule a virtual visit, please contact the unit.
In addition, the following services will resume as noted to accommodate physical distancing and infection control measures:
LABORATORY: Routine scheduled bookings will resume. All Outpatient Laboratory appointments must be pre-scheduled through the dedicated Appointment Line: 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660. Clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service, a staff member will return your call within 2 business days.
MEDICAL IMAGING: Routine bookings will resume at all sites. This week, department staff will be working to book appointments for requisitions placed on hold during the lockdown. If you have a Medical Imaging requisition, the general appointment lines will be open to the public again as of Monday February 22, 2021.
To book a Medical Imaging appointment:
o Blind River Site: 705-356-2265 ext. 2570
o Thessalon Site: 705-842-2014
o Richards Landing – Matthews Site: 705-246-2570
PHYSIOTHERAPY: In-person physiotherapy appointments will resume. Due to volumes, the department is only able to see acute cases (post-surgery, after cast removal, or recent injury) at this time. Virtual visits will continue where appropriate.
If you have a Physiotherapy referral, do not drop it off at the hospital – please contact the department at 705-356-2265 ext. 2480.
Chiropractic Services: The Chiropractic clinic is able to resume as of Tuesday February 23, 2021.
Patients are requested to attend appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. This individual will also be subject to screening protocols. Patients and visitors are requested to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Medical masks will be provided.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and you have a scheduled appointment, please contact your Health Care Provider and the department to postpone your appointment.
To book an appointment for COVID-19 testing, contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321
o ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon)
· Or, complete the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19.
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.