Menoyawin Health Centre begin "New Normal" Procedures - Press Release
Sioux Lookout, Ontario
May 16, 2003
For Immediate Release:
POST SARS "NEW NORMAL"
Here at the Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre, Dr. T. O’Driscoll, the Chief of Staff and Debra Harris, VP Health Services have taken the following actions after receiving news yesterday that Toronto was cleared by the World Health Organization and is returning to full access status.
SARS screening at entrance will cease 0800 hours Friday, May 16, 2003 and "NEW NORMAL" directives from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care will take effect.
The Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-win Health Center staff will continue to incorporate the SARS screening within the triage process. This means all Emergency Department patients and patients who are direct admissions who bypass the Emergency Department will be asked about travel history to SARS affected areas and be screened for signs and symptoms of SARS.
Facilities will continue to reinforce hand washing/hand hygiene with staff, patients and visitors.
The hospital will continue to maintain enhanced surface cleaning.
The "New Normal" directives stipulate that all Ontario health care facilities strictly adhere to the following visiting hours:
Acute Care 1300 – 2000 daily (1pm – 8pm)
LTC/Chronic Care 0800 – 2000 daily (8am – 8pm)
The Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre will continue with high vigilance monitoring of communicable diseases and infection control standards.
More detailed information is available from:
Northwestern Health Unit: 1-800-830-5978
Northwestern Health Unit web site:
Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
Health Canada web site: www.hc.sc.gc.ca/english/index/html
For more information locally contact:
Phil Janzen, 737-3030 ext 6099
Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre