In late 2019, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China and quickly spread through the local population, across China, and now globally. In anticipation of a global pandemic, teams at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) began working to ensure appropriate systems were in place locally and staff are equipped to identify and subsequently care for patients who may have contracted the virus.
As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, the hospital is actively working to put elements of its pandemic plan in place. Here are some of the areas of focus for the hospital during this preparation phase:
Education and Simulations
MGH staff are being reminded of how to properly take on and off the personal protective equipment required to safely care for patients with COVID-19. Many areas of the hospital have been running simulation exercises to practice the steps they would take to safely care for one patient with COVID-19 and many patients with COVID-19.
Screening
Beginning in January, patients have been screened at points of entry to the hospital, including in clinics and the Emergency Department. Screening aims to promptly identify patients who are likely to have COVID-19. This allows hospital staff to ensure they use the proper precautions when treating patients and not expose staff or other patients to the virus while they arrange for rapid testing to confirm if in fact the patient has the virus. Screening questions change based on how the virus is spreading across the world and the new information about the virus that becomes available. Hospital staff are beginning to make plans for increased screening upon entry to the hospital for visitors and staff should the need arise in the coming days and weeks.
COVID-19 Testing
When COVID-19 first emerged there were only certain laboratories in the country that could conduct the required testing to confirm the disease, such as the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg and the Public Health Ontario Laboratory. The hospital’s laboratory service provider has been working to obtain the proper information, supplies and processes to be able to test locally. This could reduce the amount of time it takes for testing to be confirmed and help increase testing capacity in our healthcare system.
Supplies
The hospital’s facilities team continues to monitor key supplies that are needed for staff who provide care to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Some of these items include ear-loop masks, N95 masks, goggles and face-shields, gowns and gloves. Evaluations are being conducted to determine how the usage of materials may change as the COVID-19 situation evolves and expands.
Working with Community Partners
MGH regularly monitors changes and advice from the World Health Organization, Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Health Ontario, Toronto Public Health and other local hospitals. The Hospital has also been working closely with its community partners, including the East Toronto Health Partners and the East Toronto Family Practice Network, to ensure family physicians and local providers are well supported. Some of the ways MGH is supporting its partners include offering assistance with mask fit testing, sharing education resources and offering expertise in infectious diseases.
As we continue our planning and preparedness efforts, we remind community members that the best form of protection against COVID-19 and other similar illnesses is practicing good hand washing, avoiding touching your face and staying home if you are sick.
RESOURCES:
- Government of Ontario COVID-19 website
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) steps for preventing the spread of COVID-19
- Public Health Ontario self-isolation advice
- Public Health Agency of Canada outbreak update, symptoms and treatment and travel advice
- World Health Organization advice for the public and situation reports