The number of positive COVID-19 cases related to an outbreak at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has jumped.
The outbreak at the Penetanguishene facility’s Horizon program that’s linked to a COVID-19 variant of concern now includes 11 confirmed positive patient and 13 positive staff cases, an increase of four from the 11 patient and nine staff cases reported last Thursday.
There have also been five deaths on the unit that’s home to geriatric inpatients.
Last week, hospital staff made a desperate plea to Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop asking for more N95 masks.
One note read: “If it’s not too much trouble, can you ask Doug Ford to send some PPE to Waypoint? Our employer says they are low on N95s, so some of those would be great since we are under outbreak and many of our awesome staff and patients are now infected.
“I can pick up anywhere local, just let me know where and when! Thanks Jill.”
In response, Waypoint noted all staff on the Horizon program have reusable elastomeric respirators as well as all personal protective equipment (PPE) required by public health guidelines.
Addressing the issue, Dunlop said that the hospital does have sufficient inventory going forward.
“We have received a few emails from staff asking to remain anonymous,” Dunlop said. “We’ve heard from Waypoint as well as the ministry.
“I’m confident they have the supplies. They’re well connected to the government chain. Obviously, the safety of staff and the residents is a priority for us," she added.
In its latest update, the hospital noted the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit identified the variant of concern in one positive case as the UK variant B1.1.7.
“We are continuing to wait for the results of testing for the variant of concern with our other positive cases,” the hospital noted. “The outbreak is being managed following the guidelines for the variant of concern.”
Waypoint declared a COVID-19 outbreak on the Horizon program for geriatric psychiatry that's located in the Bayfield Building on Jan. 22 in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
“The vaccine remains a priority as an additional safety measure and we are happy to have confirmation that eligible Horizon program patients will receive their second dose on Feb. 11,” the hospital stated. “Some patient-facing staff who received the first dose are also receiving their second doses this week.
“While we don’t yet have confirmation on when the remainder of our patients and staff will receive their first dose, we continue to advocate for this to occur.”
Since the pandemic began last March, Waypoint has reported 19 positive patient cases, 28 positive staff cases and five deaths.
As MidlandToday also reported last week, the apparent N95 mask shortage on the Horizon unit also led to a visit from the Ministry of Labour and a subsequent discussion on elastomeric respirators.
“We are following all public health recommendations related to the variant of concern and have enhanced infection prevention and control measures in place,” the hospital said, noting full PPE is available for all staff across the program.
“The elastomeric respirators are above and beyond public health recommendations on personal protective equipment required for our outbreak, and as they are reusable, aid with required conservation efforts.
“This process was reviewed by the Ministry of Labour and we have received no orders at this time. The investigation is continuing and we are working collaboratively with all parties to ensure all precautions are in place.”
The Horizon Program is located in the Bayfield Building, which is not connected to the rest of the Waypoint campus. All staff are screened at entry to the Bayfield Building and do not use the general entrance/screening for Waypoint’s other buildings.
The hospital is also conducting increased cleaning across the program and continuing regular testing for patients and staff, including the introduction this week of rapid testing supported by Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
Other measures include:
* Adding additional infection, prevention and control staff, clinical educators and medical leadership on the program for ongoing training and to support staff.
* Cohorting of patients who are positive and those with symptoms so they are isolated and being cared for in areas separate from patients who are negative and have no symptoms.
* Our staff have added safe temporary, removable barriers to help in separating patients who are positive from the rest of the program.
* Closing the program to all admissions and discharges.
* Cancelling all visiting and non-essential activities.
* Regular personal protective equipment training and support.
