The results of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing revealed all 20 staff, including Dr. John Beamish, Medical Director, are negative for the virus.
“While this news is reassuring, we were cautiously confident that we had followed all the infection control protocols to the best of our ability,” stated Hajni Hos, Executive Director.
“On Thursday, April 23rd, we disclosed to our community an individual with cancer diagnosis had tested positive with COVID-19 while being asymptomatic. We now believe that test was among the 22 local false positive specimens report by Peterborough Public Health (PPH),” stated Jodi Dunn, Manager of Hospice Residence.
Hospice Peterborough continues to accept new admissions to the palliative residence and will continue to screen residents, essential visitors and staff to its London St. location. In accordance with Hospice Peterborough’s COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan the building has undergone deep cleaning and disinfecting, as outlined in the pandemic protocols, precautions, and procedures.
Throughout the pandemic, the community has continued to support Hospice Peterborough and its work, especially around supplying PPE.
Hospice Peterborough sends thanks to the following individuals, groups, and businesses who have donated lifesaving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Karen Adams, Black’s Distillery, Suzanne Boyer, Bryan Cathcart Tracking, Sandra Clements – ReMax, Mike D’Angelantonio, Enbridge Gas, Giant Tiger – Lansdowne and Lakefield, Beverly Handlechner, Harco Enterprises, Kevin Hickey, Irma Hos, Merit Precision Ltd., Dorothy O’Brien, MPP Dave Smith, Sweet Peach Scrunchies, Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, Vedra and Jim Hill, and Ventra Plastics.
It is with our heartfelt appreciation that we recognize and thank the Rotary Club of Kawartha Peterborough for their ongoing support and investment in Hospice Peterborough. Thank you for your gift of $1,200 to purchase life saving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our end-of-life residence.
“Please forgive us if we have missed any names, your gift is equally important and appreciated in keeping our residents, families, staff, and community safe,” noted Hos.
“Our number one priority has always been the care we deliver. The core of our organization continues to provide compassionate care, and to enhance the comfort, dignity, and quality of life of individuals and families. Thankfully, we have been able to continue to provide a safe home for residents, their families, and staff.” affirmed Shelley Barrie, Board Chair, Hospice Peterborough.
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 while monitoring and assessing next steps, escalating risks, and contingency precautions in consultation with Medical staff and partners.
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 resident’s visitors and staff only.
Robust community programs and bereavement supports are continuing remotely and through one to one phone calls.
Hospice Peterborough strives to achieve transparency in its governance and will continue to update the community with details as they unfold.
“While we are not out of the woods yet, we continue to work diligently and vow not let our guard down against this horrific disease.” 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