(Strathroy, ON) – The Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH) is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak. The Middlesex-London Health Unit, declared the outbreak on July 25, 2022 after three patients tested positive on the 1 South (Medicine) inpatient unit. Unit-level outbreaks for COVID-19 are declared, in partnership with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, as soon as there are two or more confirmed positive cases among patients or staff that could have possibly been acquired on an inpatient unit. After 10 days with no new cases, the unit level outbreak is declared over in consultation with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU).
The patients and their families have been contacted. Staff and physicians in contact are being notified. Contact tracing and testing for staff and physicians is also taking place.
The unit is now limited in ability to receive admissions until further notice. In addition, visitors and essential care providers are no longer permitted to visit the unit with the exceptions being provided for palliative care patients. Care teams will regularly update families/caregivers and make them aware of opportunities for virtual connections.
The safety of everyone at our hospital sites is our top priority. MHA’s Infection Prevention and Control Specialist, Occupational Health Specialist and leadership team are monitoring the situation closely. We continue to take steps to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and physicians.
Precautions remain in place across both our hospital sites and on all units to identify potential outbreaks early and have enhanced safety measures within our hospital sites including:
- Closure of the 1 South (Medicine) inpatient unit to new admissions
- Suspending patient visiting, with exceptions being provided for palliative care patients.
- Enhanced screening and testing of patients and staff
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the unit.
More information and updates will be shared as they become available.
Please continue to visit covid-19.ontario.ca or MHA COVID Updates for regular updates on COVID-19.
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| For local inquiries: Middlesex Hospital Alliance Julie McBrien Interim President & CEO Vice President Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Officer Julie.McBrien@mha.tvh.ca (519) 245-5295 ext: 5506 www.mhalliance.on.ca About MHA: The Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) is comprised of two fully accredited partner sites: Four Counties Health Services and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. A progressive, team-oriented and technologically adept organization of excellence, the MHA is creating a more integrated and seamless approach to treatment by embracing and seeking out partnerships, through collaboration and investing in people. This coordinated approach helps to ensure that a high level of service is provided, while reducing costs and continually enhancing quality. |