October 27, 2009

Renfrew Victoria Hospital increased emergency department activity

Flu season has arrived. However, it is different this year. Renfrew Victoria Hospital’s emergency department, like other units in the region, is seeing an increased number of patients presenting with “flu” symptoms. We are working in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Renfrew County District Health Unit to keep our staff and patients safe and healthy.

Whether you are coming to the hospital because you are ill, or because you have an appointment, expect to be screened at several stages. RVH is actively screening all patients entering the emergency department. Self-screening stations are set up for patients and visitors at the remaining entrances. Please ensure that you perform hand hygiene at the entrance and read the important signs for instructions. Limit the number of family members accompanying you. In no case should health children be brought along.

If you experiencing mild symptoms, individuals are encouraged to stay home, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, limit contact with others, ensure family members wash their hands often and clean frequently-touched surfaces. Tylenol and Advil can help to reduce the fever. For moderate symptoms, a family doctor should be seen. Individuals should only come to the Emergency Department if their symptoms include shortness of breath, difficult breathing, of high fever, or they have chronic medical conditions. Testing will only be done on patients admitted to hospital per ministry guidelines.

Higher volumes of patients are presenting to Renfrew emergency department. This converts to longer than normal wait times for treatment. As well, RVH is operating at over 100% occupancy on our inpatient units. Again, please restrict visiting to immediate family (max. 2). Because hospital staff and physicians need to focus on patient care, individuals seeking information about H1N1, or how to treat symptoms, should call Ontario Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, Renfrew County District Health Unit Healthline at 613-735-8666, or visit the Renfrew County and District Health Unit website at www.rcdhu.com. Other websites with H1N1 information would be www.health.gov.on.ca (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) and www.cheo.on.ca (CHEO).

You are encouraged to keep yourself healthy by frequent hand washing and covering your cough/sneeze with your sleeve. Outside of hospital settings, regular soap and water is sufficient to wash your hands. Please stay home if you are ill.

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(For more information, contact Randy Penney, CEO, Renfrew Victoria Hospital, 613-432-4851, ext. 260.)