Hospital discourages flowers, sends volunteers home

Sault Area Hospital is asking people to refrain from sending flowers to patients, as a part of its precautions to prevent spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

The hospital told SooToday News this afternoon that it hasn't imposed an outright ban on flowers, but delivery personnel are not being allowed to take them directly to patient rooms.

Floral gifts may now be delivered only by hospital porters, who will perform this function only as time allows.

That, the hospital says, means flowers may not be delivered in timely fashion and such gifts are being officially discouraged.

The hospital also said that, with the exception of Coffee Kiosk volunteers, all volunteers and students have been asked to not report for their shifts.

Still no local cases, hospital says

At 3:44 p.m. Thursday, Ministry of Health officials confirmed Ontario's seventh SARS-related death, at Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division.

At Sault Area Hospital, spokesman Brady Irwin told SooToday News this afternoon that there are still no confirmed, probable or suspected cases at this time.

A couple of cases are currently under investigation, he said, but these are thought to be most likely false alarms, several of which have already occurred over the past week in the Sault.

The following news release and backgrounder were issued this afternoon by SAH:

***************************************************************** Media Advisory - Update #2 - SARS Procedures at SAH

April 3, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. - The hospital continues to follow provincial directives issued by the provincial health authorities to contain the spread of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Effective April 2, 2003, screening stations were set up at all three entrances.

SAH is screening all patients, staff and visitors at all four SAH sites.

Upon entering any one of the sites, all individuals will be required to answer a series of health and travel-related questions, and to sign in.

With the exception of the Coffee Kiosk volunteers, all volunteers and students have been asked not to report to the hospital.

In an attempt to reduce the number of non-essential delivery personnel, area residents are encouraged not to send flowers to patients at this time.

Essential delivery personnel (i.e. vending machine deliveries) will be screened upon entering.

Now that screening procedures are in place, SAH is looking at ways to safely restore some services within provincial directives.

Visitor restrictions remain in effect.

Backgrounder - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Hospital Visiting and Access

In accordance with province-wide directives, SAH has initiated a No Visiting Policy at all four SAH sites (General, Plummer, Matthews and Thessalon).

The only exception is parents of ill children and visitors to patients with life-threatening illnesses.

Only three entrances between the General and Plummer sites are open.

Staff, patients and visitors must enter through either the: - Rehabilitation entrance at the rear of the General site

- Emergency entrance in the front lobby of the General site, or - Renal Dialysis entrance at the Plummer site

Outpatient procedures

All non-urgent outpatient procedures, elective surgeries and diagnostic tests are postponed until further notice. SAH will assess all procedures on a case-by-case basis.

Patients will be notified of any cancellations of their procedures.

All non-urgent transfers between healthcare facilities are suspended.

Infection Control

SAH also continuues to follow infection control guidelines.

For the protection of all staff and patients, staff working the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care/Critical Care Unit are required to wear protective masks, gowns, gloves and goggles.

Emergency patients are being asked to wear surgical masks. All visitors and patients are reminded to wash their hands when entering and leaving the hospital.

Handwashing remains the most effective method of controlling the spread of germs.

A waterless hand wash solution is provided throughout the hospital at entrances and elevators.

Detailed Information About SARS

Detailed information about SARS is available through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at www.health.gov.on.ca.

This website also provides links to HealthyOntario.com, Health Canada and the World Health Organization.

Questions can be directed to the Algoma Health Unit at 759-5287.

If you are experiencing symptoms, call Telehealh Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.