Archived RVHS Updates on H1N1
June 11, 2009 - 3:10 p.m.
- Influenza pandemic alert raised to phase 6 by WHO. The elevation in alert level is not an issue of the severity of the virus, but of how far the virus has spread globally.
The WHO reports: On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic," she said at a press conference today. Fore more visit WHO: World Health Organization . - Rouge Valley Health System's protocols remain the same as they were on May 28, 2009.
May 28, 2009 - 3:15 p.m.
- We continue to ask patients entering the emergency departments at both of our Rouge Valley hospital campuses to self-screen. Those with the flu-like symptoms are to take the precautions outlined (i.e. hand hygiene and wearing of a surgical mask) and identify themselves to the triage nurse.
- Visiting at RVHS has reverted to pre-H1N1 protocols: one visitor in the emergency department; two visitors elsewhere in the hospital — unless different arrangements have been made with the manager and/or nursing staff.
- We have replaced our signage to reflect the new changes in our approach. View sign.
- As always when visiting or working in a hospital, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
May 20, 2009 - 2:45 p.m.
- Rouge
Valley Health System is now using passive screening for patients
entering our emergency department at both hospital campuses, as most
other hospital are doing. Instead of staff being stationed at emergency
entrances, patients are now asked to read the signage and self screen
accordingly. This means those with the flu-like symptoms are to take
the precautions outlined (i.e. hand hygiene and wearing of a surgical
mask) and identify themselves to the triage nurse.
May 13, 2009
- One
more case of H1N1 has been confirmed for RVC. The patient was sent home
with standard instructions. There are no other significant changes in
the alert to report at this time.
May 11, 2009 - 8:45 a.m.
- New emergency department visiting rules, started on May 8, remain in place. We are now allowing one visitor per patient in our emergency departments. New signage has been put up in emergency at RVAP and RVC. View signage.
May 8, 2009 - 4:30 p.m.
- Rouge Valley had a second confirmed case of H1N1. The test results came in Friday morning for the patient, who had come to the emergency department at our RVC hospital campus earlier in the week. The patient, who has no recent history of travel, was sent home with standard H1N1 instructions. The only other confirmed H1N1 patient at Rouge Valley was also sent home with standard instructions from RVAP last week.
- RVHS has made changes to the emergency department visiting restrictions. We are now allowing one visitor per patient in our emergency departments. New signage has been put up in emergency. View signage.
- Screeners will continue to be present at the emergency departments until next Tuesday, May 12. RVHS is in the process of working out what the approach will be after Tuesday for managing patients and visitors as they arrive at our emergency departments.
- On May 7, RVHS held its monthly Town Hall meetings at both hospital campuses. Staff were provided with corporate dates, including the latest information on how Rouge Valley continues to respond to the H1N1 alert. View slides on H1N1 from Town Hall presentation.
May 7, 2009
- RVHS is now allowing one visitor per patient in our emergency departments. The situation at RVHS remains unchanged since May 6. We have had no other confirmed cases of H1N1 since we reported our first on May 2. The patient in that case was not hospitalized and was sent home with standard H1N1 instructions.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Influenza A(H1N1) - Update - May 6, 2009 -
22 countries have officially reported 1,516 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection
Mexico has reported 822 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 29 deaths. The United States has reported 403 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (165), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (9), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (57), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (27).
It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.
There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
May 6, 2009
- A new Health Notice has been issued from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, May 5, 2009. No substantial change. Click May 5, 2009 - Health Notice to read it.
- New
documents have been created and provided to relevant RVHS departments
and staff--including lab-testing protocol guidelines, FRI/SRI screening
tool and Public Health Agency of Canada fact sheet on H1N1. View documents in RVHS Resources section.
May 4, 2009
- RVHS is taking a proactive, measured approach in dealing with the H1N1 (swine flu) at both of its hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Centenary (RVC) in east Toronto; and at Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering (RVAP) in west Durham.
May 2, 2009
- Rouge Valley has had its first patient test positive for H1N1. The test results came in Friday for the patient, who had come into the Ajax and Pickering hospital campus. The patient, who had been to Mexico, was discharged and given the standard H1N1 instructions.
- Read excerpt from most recent e-Echo (internal newsletter)—of public interest
May 1, 2009
April 30, 2009
Read Physicians' Update from Dr. Ashley Roberts, RVHS medical director of infectious diseases
April 30, 2009
Read excerpt from most recent e-Echo (internal newsletter)—of public interest
April 29, 2009
WHO Alert moves from 4 to 5. Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities. Read more at www.who.int/en.
April 29, 2009
- Neither of our two hospital campuses has any confirmed cases of swine flu, or severe respiratory illness (SRI), as it was initially called.
New signage has been put up at RVHS. View signage.
April 28, 2009
- RVHS has presented new information at Town Hall meetings for staff, physicians, volunteers. View presentation (PDF).
- RVHS has applied a no visitors rule at both of its Emergency Departments (at Centenary and at Ajax & Pickering) - except when required to assist the patient.
April 26, 2009
- Read the latest RVHS staff alert on swine flu procedures.
- Both emergency departments and other departments -- at RVAP and at RVC -- are screening for symptoms and for anyone who has traveled to Mexico, or the US.
- For staff, physicians and volunteers, the RVHS e-Echo newsletter, on email and Mox, will continue to be your information source on SRI and the swine flu and other potentially related health issues
- For the public and RVHS professionals, this web section will provide a source of information. The section contains links and attachments from official sources: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC); Toronto Public Health; and other sources.
- Staff and visitors are reminded to wash your hands regularly and frequently to help prevent spread.
April 24, 2009
- RVHS has held special Town Hall meetings at both hospital campuses for all staff, physicians and volunteers to discuss the severe respiratory illness (SRI) stemming from Mexico, as initially communicated internally in Wednesday’s e-Echo. The Town Halls were held to inform staff in a timely fashion.
- RVC's 8 East has been prepared for potential isolation patient admissions, should this be needed.
Back to Main H1N1 Page
Travel history is no longer relevant, but it was in the initial stages of the swine flu alert. Here is the advisory issued by the Canadian government and the WHO, from late April and May 2009.
Travel to Mexico and the U.S.A.
Are you planning to travel to affected countries?
- The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travelers follow precautionary measures for seasonal influenza when traveling to affected areas in the United States. (May 1, 2009)
- PHAC recommends that travellers going outside of North America visit the PHAC website and the World Health Organization's website
often for the most recent information on affected countries and
recommendations on how to reduce your risk of infection. (May 1, 2009)
- PHAC recommends that travelers postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice. (April 27, 2009)
Community members who have traveled to Mexico
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that if you travel to Mexico and develop symptoms of influenza A(H1N1):
- While on travel, then seek medical care immediately.
- When back in Canada, then do the following:
- Stay at home and avoid contact with others until you no longer have symptoms
- Wash your hands frequently; cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hand
- Inform your health care provider of your symptoms and recent travel history to Mexico
RVHS staff who have traveled to affected areas
- All staff members, physicians and volunteers, who have been to Mexico, California, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, New York or Ohio within the last four weeks are mandated to identify themselves to the occupational health and safety department immediately, whether or not they are exhibiting flu-like or respiratory symptoms. You may visit the departments at each campus or call and leave your name and extension number at:
- RVC ext 7314;
- RVAP ext 5241.
- Thank you for your cooperation.
