NHH announces COVID outbreak

By Cecilia Nasmith

A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Northumberland Hills Hospital's Restorative Care Unit (1B), with three patients having tested positive.

A press release listed all the infection-prevention and -control measures that have been put in place to minimize risk and conclude the outbreak as soon as possible.

Mandatory use of appropriate personal protective equipment is in place – including masks – for everyone entering the affected area.

Enhanced environmental cleaning will focus on high-touch surfaces and common places,.

Dining room service has been replaced with in-room service on both 1B and on 1A (Inpatient Rehabilitation) as a precaution.

Group activities for patients have been suspended to support social-distancing protocols.

Daily self-screening by staff for symptoms has been instituted, and anyone experiencing symptoms must refrain from entering the building or the Community Mental Health offices.

Any patients and staff who have been identified as having a high risk of exposure have been tested, relocated and cared for with appropriate precautions. In the case of staff, they will be asked to monitor, which will be supported with testing as required.

All staff, physicians and midwives are required to be up to date with their vaccines, with boosters available to further reduce the risk of infection and spread.

Strict adherence to hand hygiene practices will continue to be reinforced hospital-wide.

Public notices have been posted on the entry to 1B, and updates will be provided continually (including doorways within and leading to the hospital to promote awareness and the importance of avoiding entry if symptomatic and of employing PPE).

Regular visiting will continue, with regular assessment by the Infection Prevention and Control team, with new admissions to 1B assessed on a patient-by-patient basis.