Seaforth Community Hospital is currently grappling with a declared respiratory outbreak on its Inpatient Unit.
The outbreak status was triggered by two confirmed cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) within 48 hours, prompting the closure of the affected unit by the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) to admissions until further notice.
The HPHA, in conjunction with Huron Perth Public Health, says it is actively managing the situation, which involves notifying patients, family/caregivers, and team members impacted by the outbreak. Testing of patients is underway as part of the response.
To contain the spread, modifications have been implemented for family and caregiver presence on the unit. Patients are now limited to one family caregiver/visitor per day, with no in-and-out privileges. Family/caregivers must adhere to strict personal protective equipment guidelines, including the use of masks, eye protection, gowns, and gloves.
Erica Jensen, Manager of Quality, Patient Safety, and Infection Control, emphasizes the community's role in preventing further infections.
“We’d also like remind our community members to please not visit a patient at any of our hospital sites if you are feeling unwell,” she said.