Gastrointestinal Outbreak
At General and Marine Hospital
Medical Unit Remains Closed
To Visitors and Volunteers
A gastrointestinal outbreak on the first floor of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital has caused the hospital to close the medical unit to visitors and volunteers.
As of Thursday, February 25th, 12 patients on the first floor Medical Unit were in isolation due to a gastrointestinal (enteric) illness. "Our teams have done an excellent job working hard at protecting patients and themselves from contracting this virus. We applaud our staff, physicians and volunteers. One of the best and most effecive ways to prevent the spread of communicable illnesses is diligent practice of hand hygiene," said VP Patient Services Norah Holder.
The Collingwood hospital remains open to emergency patients, people with medical appointments and visitors to other areas of the Hospital with the current visiting restrictions of one adult visitor and no children under 18.
"Like at any other time, if you are not feeling well, please do not visit patients at the Hospital. If you have an appointment at the Hospital and have symptoms of flu, colds or vomiting and diarrhea, please reschedule your appointment by calling 705-445-2550." said Dr. Quigg, Chair of the Infection, Prevention and Control Team at the General and Marine Hospital.
"This illness spreads rapidly so the best way to keep well is to wash or sanitize your hands frequently and also clean surfaces with disinfectant. This virus enters our bodies most often through our eyes, nose and mouth, so get in the habit of cleaning your hands after you touch something that may be contaminated" said Infection, Prevention and Control Coordinator Loretta Urban-Kew.
For further information, visit the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital web site:
www.cgmh.on.ca/in_the_media.asp