TBRHSC Closed to Visitors

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) announced that it will be closed to visitors as of 4:00 p.m. today. “Through our commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care, each patient will be encouraged to identify one family member or support person to work with as a partner in care,” stated Ron Saddington, President and CEO of TBRHSC. “We are asking people with family members or friends in the Health Sciences Centre to help us address this issue. Exceptions will be made for critically ill patients.”

Due to the current situation, TBRHSC is taking aggressive precautionary measures to ensure that the health and protection of our patients and staff members is maintained. “We have decided to take these steps as a preventative measure”, stated Lori Marshall, Vice President, Medicine, Cardiology, Mental Health and Maternal/Child. “All visitors and outpatients will be screened on entry to the Health Sciences Centre.” Public access will be available through the Front Entrance, Emergency Department and Dialysis Entrance only. People are asked to park in lots closest to these areas. All other doors will be locked and accessible to staff only through a card swipe.

Outpatient procedures and diagnostic tests are proceeding at this time but these patients will need to go through the screening process at the entrances. In addition, escorts should only accompany patients, if medically necessary.

The Health Sciences Centre is working very closely with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. People are reminded that hand-washing is the best defense against the spread of infection.

“We cannot emphasize enough the serious nature of these steps that TBRHSC is taking," said Kay Cranston, Coordinator of Infection Control at TBRHSC. “The continued health and recovery of our patients is dependent upon a highly controlled environment, and we need to maintain that level of control.”

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre thanks you for your co-operation, and will continue to provide updates on its website.

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