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.