Grand River Hospital, in consultation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on our inpatient children’s unit (3D North). Three staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
Parents and guardians of children currently staying in the inpatient unit have been notified, and all patients, staff and physicians in the unit are being tested for COVID-19 as a precautionary measure to contain the outbreak. Due to the unique nature of this unit, one parent/guardian per patient is permitted to come to hospital to support their child’s care, although they must stay in their child’s room, follow all PPE guidelines, and limit their interaction with others in the hospital.
Our outpatient children’s unit is not affected. There are no changes for children who come to GRH for outpatient (clinic) visits. Children currently receiving oncology care at GRH, who requires after hours care, should go to the ED department directly until further notice.
The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. When the hospital declares an outbreak, we immediately implement the following enhanced protocols:
- Increased surveillance to identify potential cases and follow-up investigations, including testing all patients and staff on the unit;
- More frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces;
- Cohorting staff as much as possible;
- Education of patients and families about COVID-19 hospital protocols;
- Continually reviewing our practices and implementing new measures as required, as part of our ongoing risk assessments;
- Temporarily closing admissions to the unit;
- Temporarily reducing in person care partner visits to the unit and working to enhance virtual and phone connections for our patients and families. In inpatient children’s, one parent/guardian is still permitted to come to hospital to support their child’s care.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cheryl Evans, Manager, Communications and Engagement
Cell: (226) 749-0689