Outbreak at Ross declared over

The COVID-19 outbreak on Ross Memorial Hospital’s Continuing Care Program (CCP1) unit has been declared ‘over’ as of May 7.
The hospital worked with Public Health to complete contact tracing and testing, and the outbreak remains limited to 1 patient and 1 staff member. “Our team quickly identified and contained the spread of COVID-19 on the unit, maintaining the safety of our patients and staff,” says Kelly Isfan, president and CEO.
RMH, in partnership with Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Services and Public Health, continues to support local long-term care and retirement homes with COVID-19 assessment and testing.
This testing offers a ‘point-in-time’ indicator of COVID-19 in residents and staff, which can support the team in quickly containing the potential spread of the virus. The hospital is also helping these partners with additional Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) education.
Hospital services
While many of the hospital’s elective procedures have been reduced, some care programs have moved to online and phone appointments.
For example, mental health, diabetes, and cardiac rehab teams are all staying in touch with patients virtually.
Patients who are coming to the hospital are screened over the phone prior to their appointment and participate in additional screening at the hospital entrance. Their care team wears personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout their appointment.
The Province of Ontario has released a framework for reintroducing regular hospital services, including scheduled surgeries.
RMH is in the planning phase to resume these services, using the criteria in the framework to guide decision-making. Hospitals cannot resume elective procedures and surgeries without regional approval, or while the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Directive #2 remains in place.
The RMH team is looking forward to resuming services and surgeries that have been postponed.
Don’t wait to seek emergency care
“The Emergency Department has seen a significant decrease in visits, but this does not mean our community members are not experiencing medical emergencies,” says Isfan.
“Our team is here for you, and we don’t want you to delay a hospital visit if you need care.” If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please visit the Emergency Department:
- Seizure or convulsions
- A broken bone or wound requiring stitches
- Chest pain or tightness in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion and disorientation
- Stiff neck and sensitivity to light
- Continuous vomiting or severe diarrhea with signs of dehydration
- Sudden severe headache, weakness, vision problems, numbness/tingling, trouble speaking, dizziness
And, any infant under 3 months old with fever over 38.5C/101F or has a fever and is difficult to wake should be seen at the Emergency Department.