Officials with the HKPR Health Unit have declared an outbreak at the Campbellford Memorial Hospital, and are restricting access to the facility.
They say that six patients in the medical surgical unit on the 2nd floor of the hospital have tested positive, but add that no staff cases have been identified.
Health Unit officials say of the six, 3 were fully vaccinated, 3 were not.
The medical/surgical unit has been closed to all visitors, except for those visiting patients in hospital for end of life care.
The outpatient Endoscopy Suite on the second floor has also been closed.
The Emergency Department, located on the first floor of the hospital, does remain open, and visiting rules for the emergency department have not changed, and minor children and elderly adults who need supportive care can continue to be accompanied by one person.
Alysia English, Director of Patient Care at Campbellford Memorial Hospital, says hospital staff are working closely with the Health Unit to ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices have been put in place at the hospital to prevent further spread of the virus.
“While we continue to have appropriate COVID-prevention measures in place at the hospital, we are now implementing additional processes and heightened infection control practices to ensure we stop any further spread and ensure the safety of our patients and staff,” English said.
The staff of CMH are continuing to work with the HKPR District Health Unit to monitor the outbreak and support case and contact tracing. Additional testing of close contacts is also being conducted at the facility. As well, the hospital will continue to implement enhanced environmental deep cleaning of the buildings.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of infection prevention and control procedures and the best practices the Hospital needs to maintain with all interactions with patients. It’s why handwashing, physical distancing and the proper use of personal protective equipment are so essential,” says Marilyn Petherick, Infection Control/OR Nurse at CMH, adding: “within the Hospital and in our community, we must all continue to be vigilant in following the public health measures of maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask, consistent hand washing and getting vaccinated.”
