Hospice Peterborough has announced its first positive confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The Organization has no additional suspected or confirmed cases. Peterborough Public Health does not consider this to be an outbreak.
“As always the health and safety of clients, residents, family members, volunteers, staff, partners, and community members is paramount,” stated Hajni Hos, Executive Director.
| “In keeping with Hospice Peterborough’s concern for the wellbeing of residents, their families and supporters as well as our staff, we have undertaken an extensive COVID-19 screening and testing protocol. Through this process we have diagnosed an A-symptomatic COVID-19 positive resident, received in transfer from a facility that recently went into outbreak. Awareness of this diagnosis has allowed us to maximize this individual’s comfort, while protecting their family and staff through isolation and other protective equipment measures and procedures. We remain committed to our mission of providing optimal care to the dying, while supporting family and community through difficult times.” Dr. John Beamish, Medical Director, Hospice Peterborough |
Since the beginning of March 2020 Hospice Peterborough activated its COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan according to a ‘when’ and not ‘if scenario by implementing and following strict pandemic protocols, precautions, and procedures while monitoring and assess next steps, escalating risks, and contingency precautions in consultation with Medical staff and partners. Decisions continue to be guided by the expert advice being provided by local, provincial, and national public health authorities; Peterborough Public Health, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, and the Ministry of Health.
Due to rigorous precautions staff and guests to the building have been provided with adequate PPE.
To minimize the risk of community transmissions and for the safety of residents, their families, clients, volunteers and staff, Hospice Peterborough made the decision in early March to restrict entry to its London St. location to essential staff and visitors only. Consequently there is no risk of COVID-19 through Hospice Peterborough exposure to community clients and volunteers.
Deep cleaning and disinfecting, has been taking place since the beginning of March and will continue. At this time Hospice Peterborough is not accepting new admissions.
Community programs and bereavement supports are still being offered virtually.
Hospice Peterborough strives to achieve transparency in their governance and will continue to update the community with details as they unfold.
“We have planned for the worst – we have been hoping for the best and in true Hospice Peterborough fashion, we have communicated each and every COVID-19 development and occurrence with our stakeholders and community since the beginning. This is YOUR Community Hospice and we its caretakers. You have entrusted us to this privilege and we are passionate about the delivery of hospice palliative care – in good times and throughout the bad.” Stated Hos.
For further information, contact:
Hajni Hos, Executive Director
Hospice Peterborough
325 London Street
Peterborough, Ontario K9H 2Z5
705-742-4202 or hhos@hospicepeterborough.org