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Ross Memorial Hospital takes Precautionary Measures - SARS PDF  | Print |

Lindsay, November 23, 2003



In the last few weeks, there has been extensive media coverage surrounding the series of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreaks in Ontario. On March 26th, the Ontario Government declared SARS a provincial emergency. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has issued a number of directives to the provinces’ hospitals in order to contain the spread of SARS and to make sure people who have been exposed are safely isolated.

There are no cases of SARS at Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) at the present time. However, RMH is undertaking a number of proactive initiatives in an attempt to prevent the possible occurrence of SARS at RMH. This will include:

  • Effective Friday, March 28th, 2003 at 8:00 p.m. the Hospital will be closed to visitors except for parents of children and visitors to critically ill patients.
  • Access to the Hospital will be restricted to the Angeline Street entrance (during the hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. ) and its Kent Street Emergency entrance (24 hour access)
  • All individuals entering the Hospital who require care or treatment will be screened upon arrival at the Hospital.

The World Health Organization has confirmed reports of cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) - or atypical pneumonia - of unknown cause from China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Canada. At this time, the cause of the illness remains unknown, however national and international laboratory testing and collaboration is ongoing. The disease is spread from one person to another through close contact.

People with recent travel to China, Singapore, or Vietnam, or those who have had close contact with persons diagnosed with SARS, should seek medical care if they develop a fever (over 38.0 degrees Celsius) AND one or more of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

For More Information:

  • You may visit the Ross Memorial Hospital website at http://www.rmh.org or call our Information Line at (705) 328-6191.
  • Those wanting further general information about SARS should call INFOline at 1-888-668-4636
  • Those with symptoms of SARS should call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
 
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