When the question of "if" becomes "when" Windsor Regional Hospital said it's ready to handle the coronavirus.
At the hospital board of directors' monthly meeting Thursday night, WRH President and CEO David Musyj provided an update on the pandemic plan put together by the administration, with respect to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
There are no reported cases in Windsor-Essex, however, provincial health officials have said there are 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. The majority have been in the Toronto area, with one case reported in London.
By coincidence, Karen Riddell, vice-president of clinical care for WRH, said there was a plan in place for a potential coronavirus outbreak drawn up long before the first cases were reported in China.
"Every fall, we always plan for a pandemic, whether that's influenza or some other organism," said Riddell. "We did our exercise in the fall on the novel coronavirus, so that's our normal routine on a weekly, or monthly basis. We're always checking inventory."
As far as inventory goes, the hospital is ready. A four-to-six-week supply of medical apparel is on hand, based on heavy use and not the current status-quo.
Musyj provided information to the board on how access to both the Metropolitan and Ouellette campuses will be controlled should COVID-19 finally make its way to the region. At each hospital, a dedicated entrance will be set up off the emergency department to deal with COVID-19 screenings, as shown in the photos below. General access to each campus will be controlled through specific entrances and exits.
Both Riddell and Musyj stressed that COVID-19 is not airborne, and typically includes symptoms common with a cold or the flu. The likelihood of catching any cold or virus is lessened when people wash hands frequently, particularly before meals and after using the washroom; using hand sanitizer, getting plenty of sleep, and staying home when ill.
Nevertheless, Musyj said it's important for people to realize that such plans are in place to protect everyone involved.
"We have different plans in place that affect our visitors, our patients, and our staff, and ensure that all of them are as safe as possible to receive the care that they need, while at the same time, they themselves are being safe," said Musyj.
A fact sheet on the coronavirus, complete with what to do if you have symptoms, is available on the hospital's official website. All official updates will be available through the website.
