Flu forces changes at NBGH including cancellation of some surgeries

North Bay General Hospital
News Release

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Attendance records at the North Bay General Hospital's Emergency Department (ER) were broken this past weekend setting a new record of 190 visits in a 24-hour period; 82 with influenza-like illness. The ER sees an average of 130 visits in a 24-hour period. The high number of patients visiting the ER continues to put pressure on the entire hospital as inpatient beds are filled to capacity and beyond.

Orthopedic Clinic is temporarily relocated

The hospital is experiencing the need for more ER space and will be taking over the current Orthopedic Clinic space (next to the current ER). Patients coming in for previously scheduled Orthopedic Clinic visits will be re-directed to the Cafeteria at the Scollard Site. This temporary location for the Orthopedic Clinic will remain open during its regular hours until further notice.

Some Elective Surgical Procedures will be cancelled

Due to the large number of patients requiring inpatient stay to treat flu-like illness, patients awaiting elective surgery may find their surgeries get cancelled with short notice to accommodate this increased pressure on our inpatient beds and on our staff.

Visitor Restrictions in Place

Visitor restrictions are in place at both the Scollard and McLaren sites. The Hospital will also be limiting visitors permitted into the Emergency Department. Only those patients under special circumstances, i.e. palliative care or with significant issues (at the discretion of the Unit Leader), will be allowed visitors. ALL VISITORS MUST speak with the Unit Leader before proceeding into the Unit and visitors MUST be free of flu-like symptoms.

The influenza/H1N1 vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza like illness. Clinics are being conducted by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. The public is reminded that the best way to fight influenza-like illness is by washing their hands, coughing into their sleeve and staying at home should they be experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health's website and Health Canada's website for further information on influenza.

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