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.