KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha 411 News has learned that Ross Memorial Hospital has asked local nursing homes to ensure their residents have Advance Care Directives, which could include a DNR, in place.
Hospital CEO Veronica Nelson told Kawartha 411 News it’s part of their COVID-19 pandemic response plan.
“As part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan, Ontario Health has asked LTC homes to ensure residents have advanced directives* in place. The Hospital, in our community planning with LTC and other partners, has echoed this need.” Nelson said.
Nelson says Advance Care Directives may or may not include a DNR or Do Not Resuscitate order. They express the wishes of an individual with regard to end-of-life care and other medical decisions
“Whether in a pandemic or not, it’s important that everyone have advanced directives in place, so that their loved ones or healthcare providers do not make decisions on their behalf during a time of crisis.” Nelson explained.
Meanwhile the facility is also working to move patients from the hospital into Long Term Care facilities to free up beds for COVID-19 patients.
“In efforts to reduce hallway medicine, RMH has been participating in the Short-term transitional care model (STTCM) since early 2019, which provides funding to support patients in an alternate setting such as a retirement home as they await transition to home or to LTC.” Nelson told Kawartha 411. “The funding enables the retirement home to bring in the appropriate care workers in a home-like environment, which supports the hospital in keeping beds open for patients with acute care needs.”
Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon is experiencing the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the province.
Read more here:https://www.kawartha411.ca/2020/03/29/pinecrest-nursing-home-doctor-says-7-more-residents-have-died/
The elderly in nursing homes are more susceptible to the virus according to officials at the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
“This outbreak of COVID-19 is currently the largest outbreak in the province,” she says, and really brings home how devastating and deadly this virus can be for older people in our communities. I am asking everyone to do everything they can to stop the spread of this virus – if not to protect yourself but to protect others who need our care.” says Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lynn Noseworthy.
Noseworthy says these measures include self-isolating and staying home when ill, practising physical distancing, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and self-isolating for the mandatory 14 days after returning from travel outside of Canada or being confirmed as having COVID-19. As well she is advising everyone over 70 years of age and
individuals who are immunocompromised are advised to self-isolate at home.
“This means that they should only leave their home or see other people for essential reasons. Where possible, they should seek services over the phone or internet or ask for help from friends, family or neighbours with essential errands.” Noseworthy explained.
Nine residents of Pinecrest Nursing Home have died as well as the wife of a resident. A number of staff are showing symptoms and 14 have tested positive for Coronavirus. The facility has been closed to visitors since March 14, when the Ministry of Health ordered all long-term-care homes in Ontario to close their doors to all visitors except on compassionate grounds.
A resident at a Peterborough long-term care home has also been diagnosed with Coronavirus according to Peterborough Public Health. The health unit says the resident is in isolation at St. Joseph’s at Fleming LTC. A staff member at the home also has symptoms and is awaiting test results.
At Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care home in Oshawa one resident has died of Coronavirus and 8 others have so far tested positive. Officials say 28 residents are in isolation across three units and that a number of COVID-19 test results are pending.
