Stay up to date with the latest news
&
events from the NSHN (Blind River, Thessalon and Richards Landing - Matthews Memorial Sites)
NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Back to School
Throughout the catchment area of the North Shore Health Network, families have made decisions about returning to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those returning to the classroom this week, parents, guardians and/or caregivers will be completing daily screening of children for symptoms before heading to school.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include: new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. Children have been more commonly reported to have abdominal symptoms, and skin changes or rashes.
If a child develops symptoms of COVID-19, please complete the online self-assessment at www.COVID-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment for guidance on actions to take, which may include contacting a COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
Please do not attend the emergency department for mild COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms are worsening or if you require urgent care, please call 911 and inform them of your symptoms as well as recent travel and/or contact history.
NSHN operates COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Blind River and Thessalon, available by appointment only.
Contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre by:
· Calling 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321:
o Blind River Location: Ext. 2661
o Thessalon Location: Ext. 2662
OR
· Submitting the online form at: www.nshn.care/covid19
A staff member will respond within 48 hours by telephone to complete pre-screening and provide further instructions.
If you have general questions about COVID-19, please contact Algoma Public Health toll-free 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404 or visit www.algomapublichealth.com.
NSHN Foundation Launches Online Monthly 50/50
Starting Monday, August 3rd, the North Shore Health Network Foundation will be launching their newest Fundraiser, a monthly online 50/50! It is a way of supporting local healthcare while also offering a chance to win!! The NSHN Foundation 50/50 can be purchased at NSHN5050.com or NSHN5050.ca.
The proceeds will be going towards equipment and services provided by our North Shore Health Network which is comprised of three sites; Blind River Hospital, Thessalon Hospital, and Richards Landing-Matthews Hospital. Today, outstanding local healthcare is more important than ever. The Foundation’s goal in raising funds is to ensure that our health care professionals have the tools they need to take care of local patients.
The jackpot will be updated online in real time for each months draw, and will continue to grow as more people participate. Half of the total each month goes to the drawn ticket holder, and the other half will go to support patient care at all three sites supported by the NSHN Foundation. Remember, the more tickets you buy, the greater you chances of winning!! Good Luck to all, and thank you again for Keeping Health Care Within Reach.
NSHN Employee Wins OAMRS Patient Care Award
The North Shore Health Network congratulates Jonathon Vairo, MRT(R) – the recipient of the 2020 Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) Patient Care Award.
Ralph Barker, President & CEO, commends Jonathon on this achievement “NSHN is extremely proud of Jonathon for winning this prestigious provincial award, and we are equally as fortunate to have him as a member of our health care team at NSHN providing quality care to the residents of the North Shore.”
Jonathon works in the Medical Imaging Department at the NSHN Blind River Site. Kim Rousselle, Medical Imaging Manager, says “I nominated Jonathon because of his exceptional patient care skills.” Rousselle continues, “I have worked in Medical Imaging for many years and honestly have never seen someone go to the extent that Jonathon does for all his patients.”
Jonathon is described by his co-workers as someone who always goes over and above his call of duty as a Technologist when it has to do with patient care.
“I feel that this is a team effort, and we have won as a team for our department. I would also like to thank all of my co-workers, inside and outside of the department,” says Jonathon.
Nominated and selected by the OAMRS membership, this award honours exceptional contributions in patient care.
Congratulations Jonathon!
-30-
BACKGROUNDER:
The award presentation is available online: https://youtu.be/EXJ2VZtlCNU
From the OAMRS: https://secure.oamrs.org/Apps/Pages/the-patient-care-award
“The Patient Care Award is about more than clinical treatment. Nominated and selected by the OAMRS membership this award honours the exceptional contributions of an individual MRT/ Sonographer, (DMS) hospital, clinic, organization or professional team that has demonstrated leadership, innovation in any or all aspects of patient care – from general interactions, providing care to creating great systems and beyond. This award recognizes and honours the meaningful contributions of individuals and teams for acts of caring and compassion that go above and beyond the call of duty, inspire others and have a profound and lasting impact.”
NSHN LTC Visiting Policy Updated
Blind River, ON – The Ministry of Long-Term Care has provided further guidelines for visitation in long-term care homes for both outdoor and indoor visiting:
Effective immediately, the following applies to outdoor visitation:
o Visiting hours will be between 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm daily.
o Up to two (2) visitors at a time per resident are allowed.
o Visitors are responsible for bringing their own face coverings for outdoor visits.
o Attestation of COVID-19 testing is not required for outdoor visits.
o All visits must be scheduled in advance. To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
Effective Wednesday July 22, 2020, the following applies to indoor visitation:
o Visiting hours will begin no sooner than 11:00 am and conclude by 8:00 pm. (Exceptions may be made for Essential Visitors and Essential Caregivers.)
o Up to two (2) visitors at a time per resident are allowed.
o Visitors will be supplied with a surgical / procedure mask by the LTC Home that must be worn at all times.
o Indoor visitors are required to verbally attest to the LTC Home workers that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and not subsequently tested positive.
o All visits must be scheduled in advance. (To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.)
In order for visitation to take place, the Home must not currently be in outbreak. All visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting a long-term care home is appropriate. Visitors must pass screening to visit. 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.
Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon).
NSHN Revises Visiting Policy
In accordance with a directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and in recognition of the important role of visitors in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of patients and residents, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has revised existing visitor restrictions. NSHN will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity in the catchment area and work closely with Algoma Public Health to inform and adjust visitation policies as needed.
Effective Tuesday June 23, 2020 visitation will resume as follows:
Emergency Department (All Sites) / Acute Care Unit (Blind River Site): Consideration will be given to the patient’s circumstances and the visitor’s role. Visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting is appropriate. At this time, please limit to 2 visitors per patient, per day. All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable in most circumstances. Where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River): The Ministry of Long-Term Care has provided guidelines for the resumption of outdoor visits in long-term care homes. Visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting a long-term care home is appropriate. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program
Prior to each visit the visitor must:
Pass an active screening questionnaire.
Attest to LTC staff that the visitor has tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 2 weeks and subsequently not tested positive. The home is not responsible for providing the testing.
Comply with long-term care home infection, prevention and control protocols, including proper use of face or surgical / procedure masks.
o Phase 1: Outdoor Visiting Only
NSHN has identified a dedicated outdoor area outside of the building where visitors can meet with loved ones. Workers will support the transfer of residents out of and into the home.
Only 1 visitor at a time is allowed per resident.
Visitors are required to bring and wear their own face covering when visiting.
All visits must be scheduled in advance.
Visiting hours will be between 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm daily.
Consideration will be given to visits outside of these hours on a case-by-case basis.
To schedule a visit please contact Long-Term Care at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
Patient Accompaniment: Patients are requested to attend out-patient appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable.
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.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon).
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Receives Donation of Hand Sanitizer
The North Shore Health Network will have clean hands across all sites to tackle COVID-19 thanks to the donation of 48 litres of hand sanitizer by the Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre located in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
On behalf of NSHN – THANK YOU!
Sue Fex, PSW, and Mark Donner, Senior Lead - Project Management Office & Business Analyst, pose with 48L of hand sanitizer donated to NSHN by Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre.
NSHN Receives Donation of Masks
The North Shore Health Network graciously received a substantial donation of masks today from Scott & Christa Lawrence, owners of Kings Plumbing & Heating located in Thessalon, ON.
“I would like to thank you very much for the opportunity to be able to donate 2000 masks to the North Shore Health Network,” said Scott. “My wife Christa and I are very pleased to be able to do this. Hopefully the masks won’t be used, but if they help just one person then our goal has been achieved.”
Scott also had a message for NSHNs healthcare team, “thank you very much to your front-line staff and the efforts everyone is making to try to ‘flatten the curve,’ and fight this awful virus. Stay safe!” On behalf of NSHN – THANK YOU Scott & Christa!
Lynn Jobst, Nurse Manager for Thessalon and Richards Landing – Matthews sites poses with Scott Lawrence of Kings Plumbing & Heating located in Thessalon, ON, as 2000 masks were donated to the North Shore Health Network.
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.
Reduction of Outpatient Services at the Blind River Site
=The North Shore Health Network is continuously assessing the recommendations for health service delivery across our catchment area, in order to implement processes as necessary to ensure the safety of patients, residents, and workers.
Effective March 30, 2020 further reductions in Outpatient Services provided at the Blind River site will be implemented:
Laboratory: Essential or urgent testing is available by appointment only for high-risk patients between 7am and 12pm Monday – Friday. Patients who require non-urgent testing are advised to attend Dyna Care in Elliot Lake or any LifeLabs location. To schedule an appointment for essential or urgent testing, please contact the department 705-356-2265 ext. 2580.
Medical Imaging: Services will only be provided for life-threatening and essential emergencies. All routine requisitions will be completed at a later date. To schedule an appointment for an urgent service, please contact the department 705-356-2265 ext. 2570.
Physiotherapy: Essential services only at this time, including patients who require urgent rehabilitation (e.g. after surgery, cast removal, sudden increase in falls) to avoid visits to the Emergency Department. Patients must 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.
Outpatients who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are permitted to have 1 designated person accompany them.
Screening through the Main Entrance for all outpatients will continue to take place. All outpatients will be provided with a mask by NSHN, to be worn while inside the facility.
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.
NSHN Patients Coming with COVID-19 Symptoms Urged to Call Ahead
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is actively monitoring directives from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for COVID-19.
At this time, regular operations continue at all sites with increased screening protocols in place for patients, visitors and workers.
Patients coming to the Emergency Department with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call ahead prior to coming to the facility.
As part of enhanced screening measures, NSHN has begun preparations to establish COVID-19 Assessment Clinics at our Blind River and Thessalon Sites. This includes the addition of trailers to the properties. Further work is required to get these clinics up and running and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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.
NSHN Implements Screening for Patients and Visitors
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care instructed all long-term care homes to begin active screening of all visitors as emerging information on COVID-19 suggests elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at increased risk.
As a result, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has begun active screening of patients and visitors at all sites – Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing – Matthews.
The following protocols are in place at each site:
· Blind River Site
o All out-patients and visitors must enter through the hospital’s Main Entrance for screening during regular business hours (7am – 10pm).
After-hours screening will take place via the night entrance (10pm – 7am).
The long-term care entrance is closed until further notice; the long-term care unit remains open to visitors at this time.
· Thessalon Site
o All screening will take place prior to entering the department.
· Richards Landing – Matthews
o All screening will take place prior to entering the building.
After screening, patients or visitors will be asked to clean their hands, and may be asked to put on a mask.
If you have a fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing and in the 14 days before symptom onset you have been to a COVID-19 impacted area, or you have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, or you have been in close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to a COVID-19 impacted area, please delay your visit AND contact your health care provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000).
NSHN apologizes for any inconvenience, and thanks all for their cooperation in maintaining the well-being of our clients, patients, residents, and workers.
North Shore Health Network Selects New CEO
June 2019
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ralph Barker, P.Eng. as the new President and Chief Executive Officer for the organization, effective May 19, 2019.
Ralph was the successful candidate in a national search to fill this important role at NSHN, which was conducted by an independent 3rd party executive recruitment firm, and which focused on qualities and attributes identified by NSHN’s Board, physicians, and staff.
Mr. Barker is an accomplished C-suite health care executive and senior business leader, with over 30 years of experience effectively managing the development and delivery of innovative organizational strategy, visionary products and solutions, and operational services to a broad spectrum of organizations throughout North America, ranging from small private enterprise to Fortune 1000 companies.
His experience includes over 14 years in the Ontario health care sector, including both ambulatory and acute care organizations, with governance, strategic, and operational responsibilities for a broad portfolio. He has several years of hospital Board governance experience, and he was most recently the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Services at the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie for the past eight years. He is also a highly respected community thought leader, and acknowledged builder and leader of high performance teams, embodied through selection as Sault Ste. Marie’s Innovation Leader of the Year in 2014.
Ralph is a native of Northern Ontario, and brings with him a passion and deep understanding of rural and northern living. “I am excited to join the team at NSHN, and I look forward to helping move the organization forward with continued quality health care for residents of the North Shore”, said Mr. Barker.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chair Donna Latulippe said “Ralph has the unanimous support of the Board, and we are pleased to have someone with Ralph’s experience to renew our leadership and guide us through this period of transformational change in the Ontario health care sector”.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TO BE HELD: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
in the Classroom at the Blind River Site
North Shore Health Network
525 Causley Street
Blind River, ON
Everyone is welcome to attend.
For further information, contact Donna May, Executive Assistant
(705) 356-2265 Ext 2601 or dmay@nshn.care
NSHN Resumes Normal Operations Following Precautionary Evacuation
UPDATE: 3:00 PM - March 7, 2019
Ongoing snow removal efforts have enabled the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) to safely resume all operations at the Blind River site.
On Friday March 8th, NSHN will begin the process of repatriating Long-Term Care Residents who were temporarily accommodated at facilities in Sault Ste. Marie. It is expected that all Residents will return by the end of the day on Saturday March 9th.
Snow removal from the roof continues to progress in accordance with direction from the structural engineer. Regular site visits will be conducted to continue to monitor the situation.
NSHN would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the families, patients, residents, employees, physicians, volunteers, organizations, neighbouring health care facilities, community partners and the Town of Blind River who assisted the organization throughout the evacuation. The efforts made to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone involved have been tremendous.
UPDATE: 1:00 PM - March 1, 2019
Snow removal efforts to date have enabled North Shore Health Network (NSHN) to safely resume operations at the Blind River site in additional areas, including the Acute Care Unit. Emergency Services continue to be available and the Emergency Department remains OPEN. The repatriation of some patients affected by the precautionary evacuation is underway.
The partial precautionary evacuation remains in place for the Long-Term Care Unit at this time. NSHN is working diligently to determine a time-frame for the safe return of the Long-Term Care Residents.
Outpatient, visiting services and appointments will resume, beginning on Monday, March 4, 2019 including:
- Outpatient Laboratory
- Medical Imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound)
- Outpatient Physiotherapy Services
- Chiropractic Clinics
- Exercise Programs
NSHN is committed to ensuring the safety of patients, residents and employees and this is our priority. Ongoing monitoring of the snow load capacity of the roof throughout the facility will continue as NSHN works to return the organization to full operations.
Updates will continue to be provided as they become available.
Please contact Ontario 211 for information regarding the evacuation:
Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
UPDATE: 3:30 PM - February 28, 2019
Please be advised of the following:
NSHN Staff Meeting
Friday March 1, 2019
11:00 AM
Blind River Community Centre – Upstairs
*This meeting is for NSHN Staff only.
UPDATE: 4:00 PM - February 26, 2019
Snow removal efforts on the roof of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Blind River site continue with good progress in areas at greatest risk.
The expected duration of the precautionary partial evacuation of Acute Care and Long-Term Care units remains unknown at this time; however, NSHN is working diligently to determine a time-frame for the return of services. A structural engineer will be conducting an on-site assessment of existing snow load tomorrow.
NSHN continues to monitor and ensure the well-being of patients and residents affected by the evacuation.
Emergency services continue to be available at the Blind River site and the Emergency Department is open at this time. It is requested that patients ONLY VISIT IF IN NEED OF URGENT CARE.
The following services and appointments have been cancelled for the week of February 25 – March 1, 2019:
- Outpatient Laborator
- Medical Imaging (x-ray, ultrasound)
- Physiotherapy Services
- Exercise Programs
The following Clinics have also been cancelled:
- East Algoma Mental Health Clinic - Wednesday February 27, 2019
- Psychiatric Clinic (Dr. Koka) – Saturday March 2, 2019
All NSHN employees who are scheduled to work at the Blind River site on Wednesday will be contacted via telephone today. We ask for your patience as this process is underway. If you have not received a call by 8:00 pm this evening, please contact Switchboard.
Updates will continue to be provided as they become available.
Please contact Ontario 211 for information regarding the evacuation:
Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
UPDATE: 4:30 PM - February 25, 2019
Blind River, ON – Snow removal efforts continue on the roof of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Blind River site with a focus on areas that have been identified as a priority.
The expected duration of the precautionary partial evacuation of Acute Care and Long-Term Care units remains unknown at this time; however, NSHN is working diligently to determine a time-frame for the return of services.
Emergency services continue to be available at the Blind River site and the Emergency Department is open at this time. It is requested that patients ONLY VISIT IF IN NEED OF URGENT CARE.
The following services and appointments have been cancelled for the week of February 25 – March 1, 2019:
- Outpatient Laboratory
- Medical Imaging (x-ray, ultrasound)
- Physiotherapy Services
- Exercise Programs
Chiropractic appointments on Tuesday February 26th have also been cancelled.
Handi-Transit services will be available as regularly scheduled as of Tuesday February 26th.
NSHN continues to monitor and ensure the well-being of patients and residents affected by the evacuation.
All NSHN employees who are scheduled to work at the Blind River site on Tuesday will be contacted via telephone today. We ask for your patience as this process is underway. If you have not received a call by 8:00 pm this evening, please contact Switchboard.
Updates will continue to be provided as they become available.
Please contact Ontario 211 for information regarding the evacuation:
Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
UPDATE: 10:00 PM - February 24, 2019
Please note the following services have also been cancelled:
Monday February 25 - No Handi-Transit Services
Tuesday February 26 - No Chiropractic Services
Week of Feb. 25 - Mar. 1 - No Exercise Classes
UPDATE: 11:00 AM - February 24, 2019
Blind River, ON – The partial precautionary evacuation of the Acute Care and Long-Term Care units of the North Shore Health Network Blind River site has been safely completed with alternate accommodation arrangements for patients and residents in place until further notice. The expected duration of the evacuation is not yet known.
Emergency services continue to be available at the Blind River site and the Emergency Department will remain open during the evacuation. However, it is requested that patients ONLY VISIT IF IN NEED OF URGENT CARE at this time.
Outpatient Laboratory, Medical Imaging (x-ray, ultrasound) and Physiotherapy services and appointments for the week of February 25 – March 1, 2019 have been cancelled. There will be no Outpatient services provided at the site until further notice.
All NSHN employees who work at the Blind River site will be contacted via telephone today. We ask for your patience as this process is underway. If you have not received a call by 8:00 pm this evening, please contact Switchboard.
Thank you to the Town of Blind River as well as all NSHN employees and community volunteers who worked diligently Saturday to safely relocate our patients and residents.
Updates will continue to be provided as they become available.
Please contact Ontario 211 for information regarding the evacuation:
Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
UPDATE: 6:30 PM - February 23, 2019
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Blind River site is in the process of completing a precautionary partial evacuation of the facility due to the snow load capacity of the roof.
Evacuation of the Acute Care and Long-Term Care units is underway. Acute Care patients have been transferred to neighboring hospitals and an alternate location within the community has been identified for the residents of Long-Term Care. It is expected that all patients and residents will be relocated by later this evening.
Emergency services continue to be available at the Blind River site and the Emergency Department will remain open during the evacuation. However, it is requested that patients ONLY VISIT IF IN NEED OF URGENT CARE at this time.
NSHN will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Please contact Ontario 211 for information regarding the evacuation:
Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
ORIGINAL POST:
The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Blind River site is currently preparing for a precautionary partial evacuation of the facility due to the snow load capacity of the roof.
NSHN is acting on recommendations from a structural engineer to proceed with a precautionary partial evacuation of the Acute Care and Long-Term Care units due to the winter storm expected to begin later today with additional snow and rain in the forecast.
Presently the snow load on the roof is deemed safe; however, it is at capacity. As weather conditions and snow load change the roof will be reassessed.
Contractors are currently on site and have been removing snow from crisis areas deemed to be at the greatest risk following review by the structural engineer. Snow removal efforts have been focused to keep the Emergency Department open.
Emergency services continue to be available at the Blind River site at this time and the Emergency Department will remain open during the evacuation.
The precautionary partial evacuation involves repatriating patients from the Acute Care Unit to other area hospitals or to home, relocating several Residents from the Long-Term Care Home who are able to be with family in the area, and determining a location in the community to safely move the remaining patients and residents to continue to provide quality care.
The Power of Attorney for each patient or resident will be contacted regarding the evacuation. The Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care and the North East Local Health Integration Network have been advised of the situation.
NSHN will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Please contact Ontario 211 for information regarding the evacuation:
Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
NSHN LTC Gardens Are Blooming!
A very special “thank you” to Cameco for choosing Golden Birches Terrace to be one of the establishments to celebrate Appreciation Day! Cameco team members provided us with many annuals, doing pruning, painting and overall final clean up at our front entrance. Thank you for your ongoing support and hard work.
We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our sincerest thanks to all those who generously donated time, effort and monetary donations towards the beautification of our Long Term Care Gardens (Golden Birches Terrace); Marcella Kenty, Claude Paquette, Cassandra Ciotka, Andrea Rainville, Darlene Wilkins, Romeo Francoeur, Lisa High, Family Council, Club Richelieu and the Rotary Club.
It is special people who help to make our facility a home. We welcome one and all to come and see the lovely outcome of all this hard work!
NSHN Annual Staff Appreciation BBQ
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Staff Appreciation BBQ held in the Cafeteria at the Blind River Site on Thursday July 5, 2018.
Approximately 60+ staff members enjoyed a steak dinner with all the fixings. A BIG thank you to Donna Latulippe, Chair, Alex Solomon, 2nd Vice Chair, Sharon MacKinnon, and Julie Chenard-Azzi who flipped steaks on the BBQs on behalf of the NSHN Board of Trustees. We received a note from a steak lover that it was one GREAT steak! Also, thank you to the Food Services staff who cooked up all the sides (and had to stay for clean-up).
This year, we turned the Cafeteria into a Bingo Hall for a highly competitive 4 rounds of Team Bingo. Teams competed for a variety of prizes in each round and you could hear a pin drop while waiting for the next number to be called. The team to spell N-S-H-N in the final round all walked away with $25 Amazon Gift Cards.
The Staff Club would like to thank Lisa High, CEO, for taking on the role as our Bingo Caller. We know she wasn’t quite sure what she was getting herself into, but she was a great sport.
The Staff Club would like to extend our appreciation to NSHN for continuing to support the Annual Staff BBQ, and encourage those who weren’t able to attend this year to consider joining us in 2019. If you have any suggestions for games, food or anything else you would like to see next year, please do not hesitate to contact: Melanie Kubatlija, Jaimee Elmore, Julie Woods, or Andrea Smith.
Thank you for the laughter, until next year
NSHN Staff Club
Introducing the 2018-2019 Board of Trustees
The Annual General Meeting of the Board of Trustees was held on the evening of June 19th, 2018. We would like to introduce our 2018-2019 NSHN Board of Trustees:
(Standing L-R)
Mr. Jack Cruickshank; Mrs. Sharon MacKinnon; Mr. Bruce Harten; Mr. Peter Cavanagh; Mrs. Lucy Ann Trudeau; Mr. Guy Clément; Mr. Chris Astles; Mr. Marcel Denis; Mrs. Julie Chenard Azzi
(Sitting L-R)
Mr. John Frederick, 1st Vice Chair; Mrs. Donna Latulippe, Chairperson; Mr. Alex Solomon, 2nd Vice Chair
Thank you for your time and dedication to the North Shore Health Network.
Richards Landing gets new digital x-ray equipment at hospital
Click here to view the article. Courtesy of The North Shore Sentinel.