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.