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events from the NSHN (Blind River, Thessalon and Richards Landing - Matthews Memorial Sites)
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.
NSHN Assists Global COVID-19 Response
The North Shore Health Network recently purchased an oxygen concentrator, specifically engineered for medical oxygen gas generation, to enhance the current oxygen supply sources at the Blind River Site. The unit arrived on site in May 2021. Shortly after its arrival, NSHN was contacted by the supplier, ON2, with a request from the Federal Government for assistance with providing India with medical equipment to aide in their battle against COVID-19.
ON2 had a total of 18 concentrators that were awaiting installation throughout Canada. All 18 hospitals and Health Authorities, including NSHN, agreed to return their uninstalled units so they could be used where most needed.
Maintenance staff removed the concentrator from the container and crated it for shipment on May 28, 2021. The crate was picked up on Monday May 31st, and transported to British Columbia where it was scheduled to be shipped out on military cargo plan to India on Friday June 4th. ON2 also sent crates of installation materials and several of their company technicians on the flight as well to get the units up and running once on the ground. By now, the units should be in service and providing oxygen to COVID-19 patients in need.
NSHN UPDATES VISITING & OUTPATIENT SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO ENTERING STEP 1 OF ONTARIO’S ROADMAP TO REOPEN
Blind River, ON – As Ontario enters Step 1 of the Roadmap to reopen, the North Shore Health Network is providing patients and families with an update on visiting restrictions and access to outpatient services. NSHN will continue to monitor key public health indicators and provide ongoing communication of changes to these policies as the province moves through each step.
General precautions remain in place:
o All visitors and outpatients 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 If it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
o Patients / Residents 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.
· Effective immediately:
o Emergency Department (All Sites):
§ Up to 2 essential caregivers are permitted to visit in collaboration with the Emergency Department workers.
o Acute Care Unit (Blind River):
§ General visiting is not permitted at this time.
§ Two (2) essential caregivers may be designated for each patient with both essential caregivers able to visit at the same time.
§ Visits must be booked in advance, and all essential visitors are subject to COVID-19 testing.
§ Special circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
o Long-Term Care (Blind River):
§ General visiting is permitted outdoors with up to 2 general visitors permitted.
· In situations where the Resident has mobility or health issues, a maximum of 1 general visitor is permitted indoors.
· General visitors who are visiting outdoors are not subject to Rapid Antigen Testing.
· Outdoor visiting hours will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, and 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Note: there may be exceptions due to inclement weather and/or staffing needs.
· All visits will be scheduled in advance.
o To schedule a visit, please contact the unit at 705-356-2265 ext. 2350.
o 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.
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
§ 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.
The North Shore Health Network has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and harassment in the workplace. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to visiting or services. Thank you for treating our workers with respect.
NSHN Long-Term Care General Visiting - Update
As you will have heard, yesterday the government released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures.
In addition, changes are also being made to reopen outdoor recreational amenities and to permit organized public events and social gatherings with a maximum of five people, including members from different households.
To align with these changes, the Ministry of Long-Term Care is allowing for family members and friends to visit their loved ones who live in long-term care homes across the province. This means that general visitors will be able to come to LTC homes to see their loved ones for an outdoor visit.
NSHN is excited to welcome the return of general visitors to Long-Term Care. Although it was announced that these changes come into effect as of 12:01 am Saturday May 22, 2021, in order to ensure the safe return to visiting in our home’s outdoor spaces, NSHN is working diligently to revise procedures and to develop a plan to begin booking appointments for early next week. In the meantime, virtual visiting options remain in place. Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as this is truly an important step for residents and their families and we expect to provide more information in the coming days.
#VolunteersBringChange #NVW2021 - Long-Term Care
This is National Volunteer Week! This year's theme is "The Value of One, The Power of Many!" NSHN will be highlighting some of our devoted volunteer groups this week in celebration.
Today we recognize our Long-Term Care volunteers. This year may have been a little different due to COVID-19, and your presence in the home is missed. We miss your songs, your stories, and your smiles. Hopefully, we will all be able to get back to seeing each other again soon! #stopthespread
“Volunteers are the glue that keeps our Long-Term Care home the happy place that it is.
Musical entertainment, spiritual services, holiday decorating, gardening, breakfast club, and recognizing special days such as Mother’s and Father’s Days, are just some of the ways our volunteers contribute to our home. Students from various local schools also bring a source of great joy to our residents. Your songs, stories and visits bring smiles, and that is priceless! This year has been different due to COVID-19. Our home misses you all, and we can’t wait to see you again soon when it is safe to do so.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you!”
#VolunteersBringChange #NVW2021
#VolunteersBringChange #NVW2021 - Community Support Services
This is National Volunteer Week! This year's theme is "The Value of One, The Power of Many!" NSHN will be highlighting some of our devoted volunteer groups this week in celebration.
First up… our Community Support Services volunteers! This group has been working hard throughout the pandemic to continue to offer services that our community relies on, including: meals on wheels, medical transportation and income tax services.
If you see a CSS volunteer, please be sure to thank them for their continued dedication to our communities!
Thank you to all NSHN volunteers!
NSHN LTC Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
Blind River, ON – As part of ongoing proactive surveillance, the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has received confirmation that a worker from the Blind River Site – Long-Term Care Unit, has tested positive for COVID-19.
As the investigation continues, NSHN is working closely with Algoma Public Health to take heightened preventative actions to protect workers and residents, including placing all residents in quarantine. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction.
In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health has conducted contact tracing and has notified all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly by Algoma Public Health, you are not considered a close contact.
Our team continues to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The safety of workers, providers, patients, clients, residents and visitors is a top priority. We urge the community to continue to follow public health guidance and the province-wide stay-at-home order. Wear a mask, physical distance, wash your hands often, and stay home except for essential purposes.
Thank you for treating our healthcare workers with kindness and respect.
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.
NSHN Visitor Restrictions As A Result of Province-Wide Lockdown
With the health and safety of patients, residents, clients, visitors and workers of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) at top of mind, in response to the province-wide lockdown, NSHN has made the difficult decision to limit access to visitors. Effective April 3, 2021 and in place until further notice:
Emergency Department (All Sites):
Only 1 Essential Caregiver permitted.
· Only 1 parent will be allowed to accompany a child under the age of 18.
· For end-of-life situations – a maximum of 2 visitors may be permitted.
· All visits will be coordinated in collaboration with Emergency Department workers.
Acute Care Unit (Blind River):
No general visitors are permitted.
One (1) Essential Caregiver to be identified with 1 alternate.
· Visits must be booked with the unit beforehand and are limited to 1 hour.
· Essential visitor requires proof of negative COVID-19 swab within previous 7 days to visit.
· Alternate may only visit when the primary essential visitor is not available for multiple days.
Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River):
No general visitors will be allowed except for palliative or emergency situations.
· In these circumstances, exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons to allow a maximum of 2 designated general visitors.
Only 1 Designated Caregiver may visit at a time.
Essential Support Workers are permitted to enter the home following screening and completion of Rapid Antigen Testing.
Out-Patient Services:
Individuals who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are requested to attend alone; however, if attendants are required outpatients are permitted to have 1 person accompany them.
Patients should only visit the Emergency Departments if in need of urgent care. If you are feeling unwell or not sure if you should be tested, call Algoma Public Health (1-866-892-0172 ext 5404) or contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or 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, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
NSHN Welcomes President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard C. Joly, President & Chief Executive Officer, North Shore Health Network
Blind River, ON – The Board of Trustees of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard C. Joly as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Highly accomplished, compassionate and outcome driven, Joly brings a unique and innovative leadership approach to NSHN.
Holding a BSc.N in Nursing from Laurentian University and a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University, Joly is a proven strategic thinker respected for professionalism, creativity, leading and inspiring others. A Certified Health Executive with extensive experience in senior leadership roles, including Vice President of the North East LHIN – Home and Community Care and CEO of the North East Community Care Access Centre, he is well equipped for the role.
Committed to setting organizational priorities providing patients, residents and clients with continued high quality and compassionate care, Joly will take office on April 5, 2021.
“As a fellow Northerner, I am very excited to join the NSHN team and contribute to a positive patient/family journey. In addition, I look forward to further developing collaborative patient-focused partnerships with the Board of Trustees, clinicians, physicians, staff, volunteers and community partners throughout the catchment area that we serve.” – Richard C. Joly, President and CEO, North Shore Health Network
The Board of Trustees would like to thank Mr. David Murray, interim President and CEO, for his leadership over the past several months, and wish him the best in his future endeavours.
NSHN Workers First Vaccination Clinics Complete!
Our NSHN COVID-19 Warriors were hard at work yesterday - completing our first vaccination clinics for workers. Vaccine clinics occurred simultaneously across all 3 sites in Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing - Matthews! Every vaccination completed is one step closer to overcoming this virus!
NSHN Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has received confirmation from Algoma Public Health that a staff member from the Blind River Site has tested positive for COVID-19. This person acquired their COVID-19 infection through exposure outside of the work setting.
NSHN has worked closely with the worker, confirming that while at work all appropriate and best practice infection prevention and control measures were taken. The worker is self-isolating at home, following public health direction. In collaboration with NSHN, Algoma Public Health has conducted contact tracing and has notified all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted directly by Algoma Public Health, you are not considered a close contact.
Our team continues to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The safety of workers, providers, patients, clients, residents and visitors is a top priority. We urge the community to continue to follow public health guidance. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands often, and stay home as much as possible.
Thank you for treating our healthcare workers with kindness and respect.
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.
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.
NSHN LTC Residents Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
Lorraine Cada, a Resident of the NSHN Long-Term Care Home, was all smiles after receiving NSHNs first dose of COVID-19 vaccine today from Kaylina Beckerton, RPN.
Today the Residents of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Long-Term Care Home received their first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Amidst cheers, Lorraine Cada, was the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lorraine, a proud member of the nearby Mississauga First Nation, was a little bit nervous, but simply stated “it has to be done.”
“Today was a turning point worthy of celebration,” said Nicholas Fraser, NSHN’s Occupational Health & Infection Control Coordinator. He added “it feels like the first real strike against an invisible enemy we’ve been fighting for over a year now.”
NSHN Temporarily Suspends ALL Visiting At ALL Sites
With the health and safety of patients, residents, clients, visitors and workers of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) at top of mind, NSHN is temporarily suspending visiting at all sites – for all types of visitors. Effective immediately and in place until further notice:
Emergency Department (All Sites) / Acute Care Unit (Blind River):
No visitors (including essential visitors/caregivers) will be allowed except where the patient is requiring end-of-life care. In these circumstances, exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons to allow a maximum of 2 designated visitors.
Only 1 parent will be allowed to accompany a child under the age of 18.
Long-Term Care Unit (Blind River):
No visitors (including essential visitors/caregivers) will be allowed except where the resident is requiring end-of-life care. In these circumstances, exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons to allow a maximum of 2 designated visitors.
Out-Patient Services:
Individuals who require assistance and are attending the hospital for diagnostic appointments are requested to attend alone; however, if attendants are required outpatients are permitted to have 1 person accompany them.
In addition, all visits to the Chiropractor will be suspended until further notice.
Patients should only visit the Emergency Departments if in need of urgent care. If you are feeling unwell or not sure if you should be tested, call Algoma Public Health (1-866-892-0172 ext 5404) or contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
· 705-356-2265 or 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, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
COVID-19 Update
A statement from David Murray, Interim President & CEO, and Dr. Lenka Snajdrova, Chief of Staff:
A patient being treated at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) for COVID-19 has passed away. On behalf of our entire organization, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.
The workers and providers of NSHN continue to offer our communities compassionate and quality health care throughout these extraordinary times. We are committed to working with our health care partners, including Algoma Public Health, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the safety of our workers, patients, residents, clients and communities. NSHN encourages everyone to remain vigilant in following public health guidelines such as hand hygiene, masking, and physical distancing.
For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website: http://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/novel-coronavirus/ or the Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
If you have any concerns that you may be at risk for COVID-19, please contact an NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon) or visit: www.nshn.care/covid19.
NSHN Acute Care / Emergency Department Visiting Requirements Updated
Blind River, ON – Visitor restrictions remain in effect as part of the North Shore Health Network’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Visitors are not permitted with the exception of Essential Caregivers or paid support workers.
In addition, new requirements for essential visitors in Acute Care / Emergency Departments at all NSHN sites will come into effect as of Monday January 18, 2021 including:
· In Orange, Red, or Grey zones, all visits must be booked.
o The care team at the appropriate Nursing Station will work with essential visitors to schedule visits.
o Exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons.
· Visits will be time limited to 2 hours in Orange, and 1 hour in Red and Grey zones.
· Essential visitors require a negative swab within the previous 7 days to visit when in Orange, Red and Grey zones.
o Proof of a negative swab is required at time of screening. (Results may be presented electronically via smart phone or by hard copy. Please ensure the date of swab is visible.)
NSHN remains in the GREY-LOCKDOWN zone at this time.
Any visitor who fails the symptom screening questions will not be permitted to visit until they are symptom free for 48 hours and receive a negative COVID-19 test result. 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. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable; where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon) or visit: www.nshn.care/covid19.
The North Shore Health Network thanks you for treating our workers with respect. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to visiting or services.
Figure 1.1. NSHN COVID-19 Visiting Framework outlines all visiting protocols and requirements at all levels in accordance with the local public health unit status.
*For more information on NSHN visiting policies, please visit: https://www.nshn.care/visiting-policies
NSHN ACU/ED Visiting Framework
NSHN Outpatient Services Access During COVID-19
NSHN remains in the GREY-LOCKDOWN zone at this time. The NSHN Outpatient Service Access During COVID-19 is outlined below:
NSHN Outpatient Services as of January 14, 2021
VISITING RESTRICTIONS AND CHANGES TO OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network continues to protect the health and safety of patients, residents, clients and workers against COVID-19. In response to the upcoming province-wide lockdown, effective Wednesday December 23, 2020:
· No general visitors are permitted in Emergency Departments (All Sites) or Acute Care (Blind River), with exceptions* only for Essential Visitors (caregivers or patients requiring end-of-life care).
o 1 Designated Essential Visitor, and 1 Alternate Designated Essential Visitor assigned in conjunction with the patient and family.
o The care team will establish an appropriate visiting schedule. NSHN will have discretion to restrict the length of visits and/or the numbers of visitors.
o All essential visitors are subject to screening protocols.
IN ADDITION –If you have traveled outside of Algoma in the past 14 days:
§ You will not be permitted to visit. Exceptions will only be made for compassionate reasons.
§ You may be directed to contact a COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
· All routine appointments for Laboratory, Medical Imaging or Physiotherapy services are cancelled during Lockdown. Appointments will be rescheduled following the lockdown period.
o Laboratory: Essential testing ONLY available by appointment between 7:30 am and 12:00 pm Monday – Friday. Patients are asked to call 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660 and clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service.
o Medical Imaging: Services will only be provided for life-threatening and essential emergencies. To schedule an appointment for an urgent service, please contact the department 705-356-2265 ext. 2570.
o Physiotherapy: Essential services only, 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.
o 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 scheduled appointments are permitted to have 1 person accompany them.
Effective December 26, 2020, the following changes apply to Long-Term Care:
No general visitors are permitted, with exceptions only for Essential Visitors & Designated Caregivers.
Maximum 2 designated caregivers per resident. 1 Caregiver per resident may visit at a time.
Must provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result in the past week; must verbally attest to not subsequently testing positive.
NSHN will have discretion to restrict the length of visits and/or the numbers of visitors in the home.
All essential visitors are subject to screening protocols.
· Residents will need to remain in the home for the duration of the Lockdown.
· As more direction is provided from the Ministry of Long-Term Care – NSHN will provide updates as required.
Any visitor who fails the symptom screening questions will not be permitted to visit until they are symptom free for 48 hours and receive a negative COVID-19 test result. 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. Where it is not possible or advisable for in-person visits, NSHN will continue to offer the Virtual Visiting Program.
All visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, asked to perform hand hygiene and wear a mask. Clean handmade cloth masks are acceptable; where cloth masks are not acceptable, NSHN will advise visitors and provide a surgical / procedure mask.
To book a COVID-19 test, please contact the NSHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-356-2265 or 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2661 (Blind River) or ext. 2662 (Thessalon) or visit: www.nshn.care/covid19.
The North Shore Health Network thanks you for treating our workers with respect. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to visiting or services.
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For further information, contact:
Melanie Kubatlija, Corporate Strategy, Risk & Communications
mkubatlija@nshn.care; 705-356-2265 ext. 2744
*For more information on NSHN visiting policies, please visit: https://www.nshn.care/visiting-policies
^Note: There is a risk associated with using a non-secured email address i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail etc. NSHN cannot be held responsible should you choose to communicate with NSHN via email.
NSHN Laboratory Complete Outpatient Services Resumption
Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network is resuming complete Outpatient Laboratory services at the Blind River Site through a new appointment-based system to allow for physical distancing and increased infection control practices between patients.
Effective September 21, 2020:
A total of 25 appointments will be available per weekday on a first booked, first served basis.
All Outpatient Laboratory appointments must be pre-scheduled through the dedicated Appointment Line:
Patients are asked to call 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2660 and clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service.
A staff member will return your call within 2 business days.
The booking agent will return calls between the hours of 9:00 am – 12:00 pm weekday mornings. Please provide a telephone number where you may be reached during these times.
Appointments will be booked between 7:30 am and 2:45 pm, Monday to Friday.
PLEASE NOTE: Same day and/or walk-in appointments are not available. There will not be a wait-list for cancellations. Patients are encouraged to book laboratory appointments well in advance of scheduled medical visits where results are required.
In accordance with Algoma Public Health guidelines, patients must wear a clean face covering (i.e. non-medical or cloth mask) throughout the duration of their appointment.
Due to the close nature of Laboratory work, and to protect the safety of workers, patients who refuse to wear a face covering will not be served without proof of medical exemption.
Patients are requested to attend appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. The patient as well as the individual accompanying them will both be subject to screening protocols.
If you are a patient with a scheduled appointment who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or needs to cancel for any reason, please contact the Laboratory directly to cancel your appointment by calling: 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 Ext. 2580.
If you have questions about your requisition, fasting requirements or other general inquiries please contact the Appointment Line (ext. 2660) and provide details around your question. Please do not contact the Laboratory directly unless you are cancelling an appointment.
The North Shore Health Network has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and harassment in the workplace. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to Laboratory services. Thank you for treating our workers with respect and for your patience as complete outpatient services resume.