“We are being very vigilant in ensuring that every precaution is taken to protect our staff and physicians, our patients and visitors,” says Anthony Vines, President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital.

In order to help contain the spread of SARS, effective immediately, Ross Memorial Hospital will be undertaking the following measures as per Provincial directives received today from Public Health and Public Safety:

Access to the Hospital is as follows:

• One Staff/Physician Entrance/Exit Only: Angeline Street North One Patient/Visitor Entrance/Exit Only: Kent Street West/Emergency
• There is nursing staff and a security guard at each entrance to assist with sign-in and screening processes.
• Anyone dropping off or picking up a patient must do so at the Kent Street/Emergency entrance.
• All individuals entering the Hospital and the Hospital’s After Hours Clinic who require care or treatment are being screened upon arrival at the Hospital. Everyone entering the Hospital will be required to wear a mask.
• The Hospital is closed to visitors except for visitors of critically ill patients, terminally ill patients, children and newborns. Each of these patients is allowed one visitor at a time. All visitors must wear their masks at all times.
• The Hospital’s Emergency Department remains open, however, patients are encouraged, where appropriate, to attend at their family physician’s office or the After Hours Clinic.
• All clinics, outpatient services and non-urgent elective procedures, unless absolutely necessary, are being cancelled until further notice. This includes Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at 230 Angeline Street South. Community Counselling is also undertaking precautionary measures, i.e. masks, screening of patients.
• The cafeteria is open to employees and physicians only and is closed to all visitors and patients.
• All volunteer services remain suspended until further notice.
• All students, visits from non-essential agencies & representatives (i.e. couriers, floral shops), PRE-NATAL Tours, etc. remain suspended until further notice.

Ross Memorial Hospital will continue to assess the situation regarding SARS on a daily basis and will report any changes as soon as they become available.

“We realize that these measures will inconvenience many of the residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes,” says Mr. Vines. “However, they are absolutely necessary if we are to contain the spread of SARS. We truly appreciate everyone’s full cooperation during this situation and ask everyone to be patient while we continue to take every precaution with respect to SARS.”

For more information on SARS:

• Ross Memorial Hospital website: http://www.rmh.org
• Ross Memorial Hospital Information Line: (705) 328-6191
• General information about SARS: INFOline: 1-888-668-4636
• Those with symptoms: Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000