Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) has declared a combined COVID-19/Influenza A outbreak at Stratford General Hospital.
The outbreak is on the medicine unit at the hospital, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance said in a media release.
Outbreak status refers to two or more confirmed positive COVID-19 and two or more confirmed Influenza A cases among patients, that could have possibly been acquired in the hospital.
There is no admission on the unit until further notice.
HPHA is working in collaboration with Huron Perth Public Health to manage the outbreak. Patients, family/caregivers and team members affected are in the process of being notified and testing of patients is taking place.
Family and caregiver presence on the unit has been modified. Patients may only have one family caregiver/visitor per day with no in-and-out privileges. Family/caregivers will be required to wear personal protective equipment including mask, eye protection, gown and gloves.
“We know that when you have a family member or friend in the hospital that you likely want to visit them as much as possible," said Erica Jensen, manager quality, patient safety and infection control. "But if you are sick, your visit may end up doing more harm than good."
Hospital patients are vulnerable and at higher risk of developing more severe illness from COVID-19, the flu or even a simple cold, Jensen said.
Anyone feeling unwell, or living with someone who is sick, should not visit people in the hospital until fully recovered.
HPHA has declared seven outbreaks since September of last year.
Outbreaks have huge impacts on patients, and the hospitals’ ability to function efficiently, the HPHA said.
“Outbreaks have a domino effect. Hospital stays become longer for patients and they may need more care, leading to delays in care for other patients."
For example, surgeries can be delayed or cancelled, and patients wait longer in the emergency department for a bed, Jensen said.
A patient who catches a respiratory illness while in hospital may experience complications and delays in their own recovery, she said.
"For the health and safety of our patients we can’t stress enough the importance of staying home when you are sick.”
