Rvh President Says New Wave Of Covid Putting Strain On Local Hospital

NEWS RELEASE ROYAL VICTORIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER

The pandemic was long and exhausting. And while many Ontarians have finished COVID-19, it is very clear that the virus is not finished with us. As security restrictions are simplified, we all seem to know someone who has been infected with COVID. Meanwhile, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Center (RVH) has seen hospitalizations grow steadily at an alarming rate in recent weeks. Health experts confirm that, based on wastewater testing, Ontario is now in the sixth wave of COVID. The magnitude of this increase and its impact on hospitalizations and ICU admissions is uncertain. What is certain is that the pandemic is far from over. As COVID cases increase in the community, we are also seeing more RVH staff and doctors being affected. This week, up to 150 of our staff and doctors are out of work due to infection or exposure to COVID. To put it in perspective, this is more than 4 percent of our team’s total RVH. This significant absence affects our ability to provide care. Staff are reshuffled, work in larger shifts and take breaks to ensure adequate staffing levels. To ensure safety, we had to reduce the number of operating rooms we have open. Unfortunately, this means that we have to cancel some surgeries. We know this is frustrating, especially if you’ve been waiting a long time for your process, but safety must be a priority and our teams do their best. Although safety measures are being relaxed in the community, hospitals need to remain vigilant to protect our patients and caregivers. This means that visitors must show a double vaccination or a valid exemption and wear a mask while visiting a patient at the health center. Of course, no vaccine proof is required to receive care at the RVH. The RVH has carefully proceeded to Step 3 of our visiting policy, which allows one visitor per patient, daily, for one hour. There are some exceptions, so if you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider directly. As Wave 6 evolves, rest assured that RVH is well prepared to respond to an increase in cases while supporting our partner hospitals. The increased incidence of surgery, bed availability and staffing levels are a delicate balance and we are constantly monitoring all three carefully to ensure that we can meet the community’s healthcare needs. While RVH continues to prioritize your safety, we reiterate the advice of Dr. Charles Gardner, chief physician at Simcoe Muskoka Regional Health Unit: Continue to wear a mask indoors, wash your hands, avoid large gatherings, and get vaccinated. Remember, RVH continues to operate the Immunization Clinic, the COVID-19 Testing Center, and the COVID, Cold and Flu Treatment Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Bari. Get more information on the RVH website.

title: “Rvh President Says New Wave Of Covid Putting Strain On Local Hospital " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-21” author: “Peggy Ibanez”

NEWS RELEASE ROYAL VICTORIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER

The pandemic was long and exhausting. And while many Ontarians have finished COVID-19, it is very clear that the virus is not finished with us. As security restrictions are simplified, we all seem to know someone who has been infected with COVID. Meanwhile, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Center (RVH) has seen hospitalizations grow steadily at an alarming rate in recent weeks. Health experts confirm that, based on wastewater testing, Ontario is now in the sixth wave of COVID. The magnitude of this increase and its impact on hospitalizations and ICU admissions is uncertain. What is certain is that the pandemic is far from over. As COVID cases increase in the community, we are also seeing more RVH staff and doctors being affected. This week, up to 150 of our staff and doctors are out of work due to infection or exposure to COVID. To put it in perspective, this is more than 4 percent of our team’s total RVH. This significant absence affects our ability to provide care. Staff are reshuffled, work in larger shifts and take breaks to ensure adequate staffing levels. To ensure safety, we had to reduce the number of operating rooms we have open. Unfortunately, this means that we have to cancel some surgeries. We know this is frustrating, especially if you’ve been waiting a long time for your process, but safety must be a priority and our teams do their best. Although safety measures are being relaxed in the community, hospitals need to remain vigilant to protect our patients and caregivers. This means that visitors must show a double vaccination or a valid exemption and wear a mask while visiting a patient at the health center. Of course, no vaccine proof is required to receive care at the RVH. The RVH has carefully proceeded to Step 3 of our visiting policy, which allows one visitor per patient, daily, for one hour. There are some exceptions, so if you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider directly. As Wave 6 evolves, rest assured that RVH is well prepared to respond to an increase in cases while supporting our partner hospitals. The increased incidence of surgery, bed availability and staffing levels are a delicate balance and we are constantly monitoring all three carefully to ensure that we can meet the community’s healthcare needs. While RVH continues to prioritize your safety, we reiterate the advice of Dr. Charles Gardner, chief physician at Simcoe Muskoka Regional Health Unit: Continue to wear a mask indoors, wash your hands, avoid large gatherings, and get vaccinated. Remember, RVH continues to operate the Immunization Clinic, the COVID-19 Testing Center, and the COVID, Cold and Flu Treatment Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Bari. Get more information on the RVH website.