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.