New restrictions in place at Stevenson

October 30, 2014 · 0 Comments

Dear editor:
At Stevenson Memorial Hospital we understand there is concern in the community surrounding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), and the hospital’s readiness and preparedness.
I would like to assure the public we have infection control systems and procedures in place year-round that are designed to limit the spread of infections and protect healthcare workers, patients and visitors. We are working in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and Ontario Ministry of Health to safeguard the public’s wellbeing and to enhance existing procedures as a result of Ebola (EVD).
As a result of recent Ministry of Health directives, we have implemented changes to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors, staff, physicians, volunteers and all members of the public who depend on Stevenson to provide quality care.
As of Saturday morning, the back entrance of the hospital (lower level, near the cafeteria) will be locked and public access to Stevenson Memorial Hospital will be restricted to the Main Entrance which is also the Emergency Department entrance. If you are visiting the ED, outpatient clinics, dialysis unit, obstetrics or any other area of the hospital, please use the Main Entrance.
Also, we ask that you pay attention to signage at the Main Entrance which advises anyone who has a cough or fever to put on a mask and clean their hands with sanitizer before entering the hospital.
We have added a patient screener who will be located just inside the entrance doors and will be the first contact for all members of the public arriving at the hospital. This screener will ask patients and visitors questions about symptoms and travel history – as required by provincial directive.
We ask that everyone entering the hospital stop at the screening desk. We realize that this may take a few minutes, but ask everyone to understand that the increased vigilance a necessary step and is in place to keep us all safe at the hospital.
Screening also applies to patients arriving at the Mary McGill Community Mental Health Centre, where access being restricted. Patients are being directed to the Main/Emergency entrance for screening prior to entering the Mary McGill building for appointments.
Stevenson Memorial
Hospital