NBRHC seeing influenza activity

The North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC), in consultation with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, has declared an influenza A outbreak on C1 (Inpatient Rehabilitation).

During this time increased precautionary measures are in place. “The health and safety of patients and their families, staff, volunteers and visitors is our highest priority,” says Mark Daniw, Manager of Infection Prevention & Control. “Our efforts are focused on containing the spread of the virus. We have increased cleaning, isolated infected patients and reinforced hand hygiene practices.”

While it’s an unusually late flu season, it’s still not too late to get your flu shot at the Health Unit, physician offices and participating pharmacies. The NBRHC wishes to remind the public of the following measures to help prevent the spread of infections:

• follow all posted instructions throughout the facility;
• clean hands often, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; and
• postpone your visit with patients if you’re feeling unwell.

This increase in flu activity comes at a time when our Health Centre is experiencing higher than usual levels of inpatient activity and limited bed flow.  We want to thank our staff for their hard work as they continue to provide the best care possible to our communities.

Please familiarize yourself with the options available for non-urgent care like Telehealth Ontario or walk-in clinic availability which can save you an unnecessary visit and wait at the Emergency Department. If you are in an emergency, do not hesitate: call 911 or go straight to the Emergency Department.

For more information on how to protect yourself from the flu visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts

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Contact:
Taylor Grant
Communications Assistant
North Bay Regional Health Centre
communications@nbrhc.on.ca
705-474-8600 ext. 3131