The North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) says it is prepared if the COVID-19 pandemic worsens.
In the month since the hospital announced it would be closing doors to everyone outside of workers, and those granted exceptional status to come in, more changes have been undertaken at NBRHC.
“The changes implemented over the last few weeks have all been carefully considered to ensure NBRHC can create the capacity it requires to safely care for all our patients,” says Tiz Silveri, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “Elements of our pandemic plan have been put in place to include additional education and simulations, working with partners, screening, monitoring key supplies, reconfiguring space, and enhancing protocol—all with a focus on protecting our patients, staff, community and each other.”
The emergency department has now divided into a respiratory and non-respiratory section. Officials say when patients attend, the waiting area now has a glass wall that separates the two areas.
Another change includes a specific area for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. The unit includes three negative pressure rooms, with one remaining vacant for high-risk procedures and can increase to 13 rooms and increase beds as well.
The Critical Care Unit has also seen a change as it has been divided into a COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 area with a specialized team to do all airway procedures on patients who have tested positive.
Finally, NBRHC is dedicating one operating room specifically for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Officials add that there have been safety protocols put in place to safely operate and recover patients.
“We want our community to know that we are still here for you during COVID-19—although it may look a little different than you are used to,” said Silveri. “Our staff and physicians may need to wear masks and gowns and other personal protective equipment when providing care.”
Dr. Jennifer Mihill is the head of Anaesthesia and the COVID-19 Critical Care Preparedness Lead. She says multiple committees have been meeting at the hospital to plan for what might be coming.
“Our number one priority is the safety of everyone involved—our patients, health care workers, and physicians—both the COVID-19 positive ones and the ones who aren’t,” Dr. Mihill says. “It’s also important for our community to know that we are preparing for this, that we do take it seriously, and that we do have a plan.”
