Message from SHHA Board of Governors

Safety for our patients and staff remains a priority for our hospital. As a result of increased prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, SHHA will be restricting visitors. The Emergency Department remains open for urgent needs. Our Walk-in Clinic remains open during regular hours for non-urgent medical needs.

These are challenging times for the "Little Hospital That Does". Our support for nursing staff, physicians, support services staff and leadership team is unwavering and we invite our community to join us in that continued support. We salute you and guarantee you our ongoing support.

Karen Brown                                                    Jimmy Trieu
Board Chair                                                     Interim President & CEO  

Huron Perth Public Health advises us that there is community spread of the COVID-19 virus across Huron and Perth, and we must adhere to enhanced protocols. Considering this, it is reasonable to expect that there may be cases of COVID-19 in our hospital from time-to-time. Staff and physicians are following all recommended precautions to keep our patients - and each other - safe from infection from the virus.

Please visit this page frequently, as changes may occur at any time to align with direction from Public Health Ontario, Ontario Health, and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Please visit the Province of Ontario's dedicated COVID-19 webpage to help educate yourself about COVID-19, including how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk.

Jimmy Trieu
Interim President & CEO

Are you:

1. Worried you have COVID-19?
• Contact a testing centre for an assessment.
2. Symptomatic but managing?
• Contact your family doctor to discuss.
3. Symptomatic and increasingly short of breath? 
• Go to your nearest Emergency Department.
4. Unwell from another cause other than COVID-19?
• Contact your family doctor to discuss.
5.  Unwell from another cause other than COVID-19 and not managing? 
• Go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Do not let fears of COVID-19 in our community deter you from seeking medical help. SHHA reamins a safe place to seek care and attend outpatient appointments. Under COVID-19 precautions, patients will be expected to sanitize their hands often, and wear a mask for the duration of their time at SHHA. Patients will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 prior to entry. Enhanced cleaning protocols are also in place.

SHHA Chief of Staff: Don't Wait for Emergency Care

Dr. Mark Nelham
Chief of Staff

Physical Distancing & Hand Hygiene 

• Physical distancing, or staying more than two metres (six feet) from others is the most important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our booking structures have been revised to eliminate or minimize wait times. If you must wait, please follow floor signs to ensure physical distancing.
• Please attend your appointment on your own to minimize the number of contacts within the hospital. Exceptions apply. 
• Please use the alcohol-base hand sanitizer pumps located throughout the hospital to clean your hands often during your visit.

Masking

• SHHA requires all patients and visitors to wear a mask or face covering for the duration of your time in our hospital. If you have a mask or face covering, please wear it, ensuring your mouth, nose and chin are covered at all times. If you don't have one, SHHA will provide one for you. Staff will also be wearing masks.
• If, at any time your mask becomes soiled, damp, or damaged, please let a member of our team know and a clean mask will be provided to you.

Screening

• Upon arrival at SHHA, we will ask you to provide appointment information and will also screen you for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (especially cough, fever, and difficulty breathing), travel history, and any exposure to a person with COVID-19.
• Screening may lead to line-ups and delays entering the hospital. Please plan ahead, and leave early to allow for extra time. We appreciate your patience and kindness in this necessary safety measure.

Visiting Guidelines

• In order to best protect the health of our patients and staff members, visiting at SHHA will align with the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. You may view the SHHA COVID-19 Visiting Framework here.
• We recognize the importance of staying in touch with family and friends. As such, all patients have been provided with a phone, free of charge for the duration of their hospital stay. 
• Visiting may be permitted in exceptional circumstances for compassionate reasons. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your circumstances with the nursing team, please call 519-235-2700 ext. 5186.

COVID-19 Cases in Huron-Perth

• Information regarding current COVID-19 case counts in Huron and Perth counties can be found on the Huron Perth Public Health website.

COVID-19 Vaccines

• The Ontario Government has started distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and has identified key populations to receive the vaccine first, including long-term care and retirement home residents and the staff who provide care to these groups, as well as front line workers in hospitals with direct patient contact. For up-to-date and accurate COVID-19 vaccine information, please visit this link.
• The government's approach is informed by science and prioritizes population groups that are at the greatest risk of COVID-19.  
• It is unclear when the vaccine will be available for members of the public in this area. We will change this message when more is known.