NHS visitor restrictions
In order to help prevent the spread of the flu, the Niagara Health System is reducing the number of visitors across its seven sites.
As of right now (Wed Nov 4), you must be 16 or older to visit someone in the hospital, except for compassionate reasons. This is due to the risk to in-patients, children and staff, and it is consistent with measures other hospitals that the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) area are taking. The number of visitors per patient is restricted to two people.
In the Maternal/Child Units at the Greater Niagara General, St. Catharines General, and Welland sites, only parents are allowed to visit the Special Care Nurseries. Visitors of patients in the labor and delivery area of the units will be limited to two visitors who must not have any flu symptoms. You will be asked to leave if you show signs of flu.
Tomorrow, (Thur Nov 5), elective surgeries will be reduced due to the number of patients requiring hospital treatment and the number of staff calling in sick. Endoscopy procedures will resume tomorrow, and all day surgeries will proceed as scheduled.
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ER and UCC visits are up 16 percent compared to last month; and an additional 58 patients were seen in the Flu Assessment Center. Of the 652 patients seen in the ERs, UCCs and the assessment center, 46 per cent, or 301 patients, had flu symptoms. Linda Boich, the Vice President Patient Services says that in the first two days, they saw 100 patients. By redirecting patients with minor symptoms to the Flu Assessment Centre, they are taking some of the pressure off the ERs and Urgent Care Centers.
Currently, there are 36 in-patients with confirmed or suspected H1N1 flu, compared to 43 yesterday. Three patients are on ventilators in Intensive Care Units.
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