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Non-urgent procedures may be cancelled at hospital due to flu outbreak

North Bay Regional Health Centre News Release ************************ Influenza has arrived and gastroenteritis illness is hitting North Bay hard making lots of people sick.



North Bay Regional Health Centre
News Release

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Influenza has arrived and gastroenteritis illness is hitting North Bay hard making lots of people sick.

Employees at the North Bay Regional Health Centre are not immune to these illnesses and several have been affected by the gastro bug. It seems to last 24- 48 hours and staff must be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to work. The hospital is monitoring the situation closely and as we enter the holiday season we wanted to make the public aware of the situation and its possible impacts on patient care.

We also know, through the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, that influenza has arrived in North Bay (confirmed that this is an influenza covered by the vaccine) and several cases have been confirmed.

What effect does this have on patient care?

• It means the Emergency Room could be very busy resulting in longer wait times

• With increased number of staff off ill we may need to reschedule non-urgent procedures.

What can I do?
• WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS. Research shows that 50% of transmissions can be prevented by washing your hands. When visiting the hospital, please STOP and use the HAND WASHING STATIONS at each entrance upon entering AND leaving the hospital and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

• STAY HOME if you are experiencing upset stomach, diarrhea, fever or flu-like symptoms.

• GET YOUR INFLUENZA VACCINE. Immunization against Influenza is still the best way to prevent the flu and it’s not too late. Visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s website or call its office to learn about clinics in your area.

• If your situation is not urgent, visit a walk-in clinic; locations and times available on our website: www.nbrhc.on.ca

• Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s influenza link http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/search-recherche/a-z-eng.php#i and Health Canada’s influenza link http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/search-recherche/a-z-eng.php#i for further information.

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