The Dryden Regional Health Centre has taken additional protective measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elective and non-essential surgeries at the hospital have now been postponed until further notice.
Non-essential medical and outpatient appointments at the hospital, Dryden Area Family Health Team and Dingwall Medical Clinic are being cancelled but medical consultations will still be done over the phone as much as possible.
Anyone in need of urgent and emergency care is asked to visit the hospital where you will be screened before entering.
Visitors at the hospital are not permitted, however one care partner, designated by the patient, is welcome at all times.
At the same time, appointments at the Dryden Family Health Team and the Dingwall Clinic have also been cancelled.
Here is the complete release from the Dryden Regional Health Centre:
MEDIA RELEASE
March 16, 2020
Dryden Ontario
CANCELLATION OF ELECTIVE AND NONESSENTIAL SURGERY, PRIMARY CARE &
OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS
The Dryden Regional Health Centre has activated its pandemic plan in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of patients, their families, staff, professional
staff, and visitors continues to be our priority.
Elective/Non-Essential Surgery
To help prevent the risk of spread of COVID-19, we have begun cancelling/postponing
elective and non-essential surgeries at the hospital, effective Monday March 16, 2020
until further notice.
Primary Care and Outpatient Services
Non-essential medical and outpatient appointments at the Dryden Regional Health
Centre, Dryden Area Family Health Team, and Dingwall Medical Clinic are being
cancelled and medical visits are being conducted by telephone as much as possible.
If individuals are in need of emergent medical attention they should present to the
DRHC. All patients presenting to the DRHC will be screened before entering.
Visitor Restrictions
To help prevent the risk or spread of COVID-19, visitors are not permitted at the
Hospital effective immediately and until further notice. One care partner, designated by
the patient, is welcome at all times and will be provided with a Visitor Identification Band.
A care partner supports and participates in the care of the patient and is a valuable
member of the care team. Limited exceptions to the number of care providers permitted
may apply to end of life, paediatric, or Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) patients, as
well as other extenuating circumstances. Any exceptions are to be determined by the
Nursing Supervisor.
Screening
All patients or visitors who visit the Dryden Regional Health Centre, Dryden Area Family
Health Team, and Dingwall Medical Clinic will be screened for respiratory illness,
including COVID-19, before entry to the building is permitted.
Active screening is necessary to keep our patients, staff, and physicians safe while also
identifying those individuals with symptoms and travel history or possible exposure to
COVID-19 positive cases.
If you have travelled within the last 14 days and have a new or worsened cough,
shortness of breath or fever (>38 degrees Celsius) please:
Do not come to the Hospital
Self-isolate (stay home, limit the number of visitors to your home, avoid contact
with others, keep distance, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands) and
self-monitor (monitor for symptoms for 14 days, avoid public spaces).
Contact the Northwestern Health Unit (223-3301) or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-
797-0000).
If you are having difficulty breathing, come to the Emergency Room.
Please be advised that at this time there are no confirmed cases in our community and
these are precautionary measure to protect our vulnerable patients and staff. Further
restrictions may be implemented as the situation develops.
To protect yourself and others from illness causing germs, please ensure you follow
these everyday precautions:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Practice proper respiratory etiquette (covering your nose/mouth when coughing
or sneezing)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid contact with people who are ill
• Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness
• It is still recommended to get your flu shot if you haven’t already as the flu virus
is still circulating in the community
• Seek medical care if required and disclose any recent travel history
The safety of our patients, staff, and volunteers is our number one priority. We need the
public’s understanding and support and apologize in advance for any inconvenience
during this challenging situation.
Please continue to call the Northwestern Health Unit (807-22-3301) for more information
on COVID-19 screening.
Reliable information on COVID-19 is available at:
www.nwhu.on.ca
www.publichealthontario.ca
www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
