HOSPITALS CONFIRM 4 COVID CASES AMONG 550 TESTS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — How are Muskoka’s hospitals coping with COVID-19?
We sent Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) 10 questions for an update yesterday.
CEO Natalie Bubela answered in an email this afternoon.
Here are her responses, on April 28:
1. Has MAHC had any COVID-19 cases?
Yes. MAHC has tested just over 550 cases.
2. Have any been confirmed?
Yes, four inpatients have tested positive to date.
3. Have any died?
Yes, one inpatient death to date.
4. Has there been any increase or decrease
in treatments or patients admitted?
In line with Ministry of Health direction, the hospitals ramped down non-essential services to prepare for a potential influx of COVID patients. Non-urgent surgeries have been postponed and outpatient procedures and clinic visits have been limited, which has reduced utilization of the hospitals.
5. Are the Bracebridge and Huntsville sites
experiencing any differences in volume?
There are no stark differences in volumes for inpatient care and emergency care between the two sites.
6. Are the hospitals at full patient capacity?
Hospital beds are approximately 60 to 70 per cent occupied — compared to 100 to 110 per cent occupied historically.
7. Has MAHC laid off any workers; or hired any?
No, MAHC has not laid off any staff.
We have hired “entrance monitors” for screening at the hospital entrances.
Human Resources continues to fill vacancies and seek applications for job postings on our website.
8. Has the emergency department
had a change in numbers?
ER visits have dropped at both sites, and to date for April are averaging less than 30 visits per day (approximately half of the historical number of visits during this time).
9. Do you have enough PPEs?
Personal protective equipment at MAHC is currently stable with a one-month supply.
10. Are there any other changes at the hospital
related to COVID-19 or other hospital operations?
Reductions to hospital services, most of which date back to mid-March, are explained on our website atwww.mahc.ca/COVID-19/.
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